inflatable kayaks

[robkanraft]

I’m interested in knowing how many IK paddlers (inflatable kayaks) there are out there? What boats and what water do you run? I’m a rafter/ non kayaker dabbling with a new boat (Aire Tomcat) interested in getting some very basic instruction, i.e. paddle choices and lengths. Will probably just use for warm weather low water trips on the Buffalo or Mulberry.

[Crane]

Mike Stanley bought one last year (Aire Force XL) and loves it. He bought it to do the Middle Fork in, but wound up rowing the MF, instead. I am balancing on whether to buy one (probably a Strike) for my bride. Mike is a fine kayaker & my bride is a good, solid Class II plus yakker. I think both of them are thinking how happy they'll be being stable and able to carry light loads down Class II and low III water. (Mike might stretch that to III plus). In any event, Mike would probably be the person most recently in the know on choosing paddle lengths, etc. As a rafter, you can always load the IK when you head east to the Nanty and, once you feel comfortable and competent in it, to the Ocoee, though I'll take my little 12' Star as an oar-rig on both! BTW, Tomcats have a pretty good reputation as rental craft!

[okieboater]

I have a paddling bud up in KC area who uses the Aire IK's like the Force.

He goes anywhere a hard shell goes.

I have been on several trips with him and he always seems to be happy and having a good time. He went every where I went and some places I did not want to go.

Point being, some of these IK's with a trained boater inside go just about any where.

I have seen videos of some of the eastern creekers doing extreme creeks in these things.

[Don Harwood]

Yea, like Dave said!
I've seen video of guys running 20-35 foot drops in IKs.
Very stable and safe yaks.
May get one for myself someday!

[jermdog]

Took a guy down the Chattooga and little river a few weekends ago in an ik and it went well.

[Drifter]

Definitely get some thigh straps (if you don't already have some) for the IK. They make a huge difference not only for boat control, but for overall comfort as well.

[robkanraft]

Got my thigh straps, got my wet gear and even bought a helmet. Just don't what brand/type/length of paddle to get. Should I buy a cheap clunker or spend a little more? Feathered blades or straight? Breakdown or solid shaft (or one of each??) Think these will ever gain popularity in Arkansas enought to warrant a Canoe School class?

[Drifter]

Rob,

I'd say a Werner Rio in about 220cm would be a pretty good choice. You'll need the length to get over the tubes. Rio is a pretty good paddle, durable and not too expensive, usually around 125 bucks.

http://www.wernerpaddles.com/paddles/rio.html

The IK I sold here last summer belonged to my girlfriend Susan. She was just starting out and we thought the IK would be a good choice for her because we really didn't know if she would like the whole whitewater deal or not. Turned out she loves it, and quickly "outgrew" the IK. ( I really liked that boat and hated to see it go... )

Anyway, to keep costs down in the beginning I just let her use a 220cm rec paddle I already had for my fishing boat (WS Pungo 120.) The length seemed about right for the IK, maybe a tad long, but the paddle type was definitely not right, and we knew that - just used it to get by. We were seriously considering the Rio as it is more a whitewater paddle.

You might get by going a little shorter than 220, depending on your size, etc., but it definitely needs to be longer than the average kayak paddles.

I personally don't care much for the breakdown paddles, although I do own one. You choice on that I guess. I would say to get a paddle with at least a 30 degree offset.

You might call NOC or make a post on BT as those type boats are used a lot around there.

[Drifter]

Will probably just use for warm weather low water trips on the Buffalo or Mulberry.

These boats aren't much good for really low water. They will hang up on every rock in the river if there isn't ample water.

While they will handle fast moving water and big waves really well, the maneuverability is considerably less than that of a hardshell kayak. Not really the optimum craft in a creeky type situation where you might have to make a lot of quick turns. However, with a little practice and utilizing the thigh straps you can get through a lot that might surprise you.

Mulberry with ample water would be a good run in this boat. Then when you get somewhat comfortable in it - head on down to the Cossatot. Like others have said, these boats will go lots of places the hardshells will go.

If I remember correctly, an ACC member ran one though Lava Falls last year... :shock:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlyGb8s8VK8

[Crane]

For Lava, the extra flotation would be a plus, since you'd have a floating platform to hang onto as you get swept through the "frothing white malestrom of death" totally out of control and probably totally outa your boat.

[Drifter]

See link in edited post above.

Not saying I would try it or anyone should, but it has been done.

[RomanLA]

These boats aren't much good for really low water. They will hang up on every rock in the river if there isn't ample water.

Actually, I took one down the Nolichuky and it was fine. The rafters would have to portage and I would just lift my butt up and keep on paddling. They're extremely stable too. The only time I swam was when someone rammed me and I went over a waterfall sideways. Other than that, I was doing stuff like spins all the way down 1/4 mile rapid with no problems. :)

[robkanraft]

[quote="Crane"]For Lava, the extra flotation would be a plus, since you'd have a floating platform to hang onto as you get swept through the "frothing white malestrom of death" totally out of control and probably totally outa your boat.[/quote]

I just finished reading “Sunk Without a Sound”…, one of the take-home lessons is have the right boatman use the right craft in the right water. You won’t see this kid anywhere near Lava Falls. :shock:

[Drifter]

For more "interesting" river stories, check out this book.

"Right boatman, right boat, right water..."



John Wesley Powell ( the guy with only one arm) made the first descent in this boat...

[Crane]

My understanding is that deaths in the Grand Canyon are greatly over estimated by the general populace and most are from fools who get too close to edges on the top or on trails. The Colorado is a very do-able river for competent boatmen and women... and is, in fact, the experience of a lifetime. For my run thru Lava, I was rowing an 18' raft, my line was very good, and all went well until a spare oar got blasted loose (my fault) and left me rowing most of the rapid with three oars in the water and only two in my control... but, it all turned out well!!

I understand Grant Nally and Orville Wright may have taken a tandem IK thru Lava on their trip in October, but I don't know that for sure. I do know they paddled most of the river in an IK... and have seen Grant & Jody do the Yampa in it with confidence and grace!!