So how do I get into this awesome sport?

[reedo]

you got mail

if you dont, you can email me at reedogibo@yahoo.com

[bryanpin]

hey there new boater. i'm gonna try and complicate this issue for you. i've noticed everyone recommending playboats. and playboats are a great way to learn paddling, but your initial interest didn't say playboat to me. if you're interested in freestyle paddling the playboating is the way to go. but if you're into buying a boat that will take you more places and travel downriver comfortably and give you the abilitiy to run harder rapids in the future, you might want to really think about a river runner/ creek boat style boat, much more versatile and much more comfy than a playboat. i'm 6'2" 205, (with size 15 feet) and i don't get close to getting in a jackson all star, but the superstar is too big. so you might fit, but will be at the upper end of most playboats. just some info to confuse you more, but whatever you do, try to get the most modern and best fitting boat you can afford. then use that weatherman magic and make it rain!!!!

[jermdog]

I bet it's your size 15 feet that are the problem, cut a little off and you'll fit. I'm 6'4" 190 sz 12 and fit pretty comfortably in an allstar. Specially the new ones.
I was only saying playboat to get you good quick so you can run the sheet sooner.
Best bet is try a few different kinds out at ualr and then decide.