Arkansas Canoe Club Forums

Hey, I am fairly new to the sport of kayaking. I have mostly kayaked flatwater at Arkansas' state parks. However, after cruising the Buffalo River, I have found that I really prefer moving water. I am 43 years old, 5'4" and weigh 140 pounds. I intend to purchase a kayak in the near future. However, I want to make sure that I am choosing the best boat for my needs. Can anyone give me some hands-on experience and information on these two boats? Liquid Logic's Remix and Pyhrana's Fusion. I mainly want to learn how to kayak in whitewater Class I and II. Possibly Class III waaaaaaayy on down the road...eventually...maybe. I want a crossover kayak because I still want to be able to cruise on area lakes like DeGray and Ouachita. So....any advice is very welcome. Also, what would be a good place to start with learning the basics??? I have already taken Level 1 class through Lake Ouachita. thanks for the help.

You might take a look at a Jackson All-Water, too. I'd find the brand and size that's most comfortable and take a demo ride, if possible. Happy hunting!

~Dave

I just bought a Liquid Logic Remix XP 9 from OOO at Hot Springs. It has a drop down skeg and will track straight on flat water. It also is very stable, not at all tippy, not hard to roll, and surfs well. I just had a blast on the Spring River today surfing at Saddler falls. You'll want to look at the weight range. Everyone will tell you no one boat does it all - and they are right - but this one comes as close as any. PM me if you want to discuss it more - I'm just two years away from being a newbie - it's a great sport.

Best place to learn the basics - White Water School on the Mulberry first weekend in May. but don't wait that long to get on the water. Watch the posts for when folks are floating and jump in . Every so often a group does the Little Missouri Dam release at Murfreesboro. Without rain that and the Spring are good choices for summer fun.

I bought a Remix XP 10 last month and used it at Rec School on the Spring River. I love it. It's amazing what that skeg does, since it's just a small piece of material. The Remix gets my vote.
I just started kayaking last summer.

Jan

I paddle remix XP 9. I've ran everything from the buffalo and piney to the cossatot and Ricland creek and galla. The XP is a great starter boat. I love the extra space for overnighters, first-aid kits, and beer. The only thing that I dont like is I have now out grow the boat. Its kinda long with it comes to tighter runs. I plan on getting a new creeker soon but will never sell my XP. You wont be disappointed with the XP!

My vote is for the Remix. I have had an XP10 for about 1 year. Seat back support isn't as comfortable as others but boat performance can't be beat! It is very stable, yet it rolls if you do. Only time I have flipped it was trying to side-surf.

A friend has a Fusion. It is a very fast boat, but seems tippy to me though it supposedly has good secondary stability. I don't want to paddle all day feeling like if I make one wrong move I might flip. Higher seat back than Remix. A strong eddy line left my friend swimming for quite a way.

I do relatively sedate moving water. Have paddled on the lower Little MO on dam release, the Cadron, Spring, Caddo, Saline at Benton, Ouachita, etc. You aren't getting my Remix away from me! It also does well on big water through the Grand Canyon! :shock:

Whatever you do, try both before you buy!
Good luck,
Marlo Krueger

I have a friend that has the Remix 10 and loves it. I always told him it was to big of a boat until he talked me into getting into it one day. Got to say it really surprised me how responsive it was for a 10 footer. They roll as good as the best of them and are so comfy. That skeg was awesome in the pools. I even seen him take it down falling water, falls and all with no problems. Its a legit boat which my vote would go to it.

Josh

My XP10 is the shiz... You will be amazed at what it will handle... Makes me look like a better paddler and thats a chore....OOO can hook you up...

if you are looking to spend less money the dagger approach is a very stable boat and i think the skeg actually works better...

Ditto. The Dagger Approach would be the next best boat if you want a less expensive model. Had one before the XP10.

Failed to mention in my first post that unless you need the size of the boat for your gear, try the 9' first. It will be lighter. The XP10 is a very heavy boat.
Marlo

Sounds like you're on your way to some XP LIVIN!

Check it out here.....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0-kpMj6TPk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

and here....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arR6hmOJOpA" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

XP LIVIN ROCKS!!