Just Starting

[Boyo]

Hey guys, my name's Boyo. I want to start getting into kayaking and I need some tips on buying a boat and gear. I'm a bigger guy..... about 6'0" and about 255 pounds. I've got a few ideas from pyranha and jackson, but if you guys could give a begginer a few tips or let me know if you hear about any used boats for a guy my size.

Greatly Appreciated!!!

[Crane]

First, you need to see if there is still time/space to enrol in the Flat-water Clinic this Saturday on Lake Ouachita. That will give you a good foundation even if your goal is whitewater paddling. See the blurb on this message board.

I have a Pyranha Micro 240 that I'll sell for $350, firm. It's a creek boat that will probably hold your height & weight. If you are interested, email me at lecrane@comcast.net. If you can still get in the clinic, I could let you use it Saturday to see if it fits. I'd also lend you a paddle & a spray skirt & helmet... My bride, Pat, will be helping put on the clinic. Let me know so I can send boat & gear!! Crane

[Boyo]

Man I appreciate it!!!! Sadly, I can't get to that this saturday due to work and "short notice" (says the boss man). As soon as I get home from work, I'll check some specs on your boat.

Thanks man,
Boyo

[JTarver]

Best advice I can give you, try as many boats as you possibly can until you find one you're super comfy in.

Food for thought,
Joe
P.S. decide what kind of kayaking you;ll be doing primarily..running rivers, creeking, or playboating. This will help you settle boat issues as well. Sooner or later I expect youll have one of them all do do whatever you like. But some people know beforehand what they are into.

[Boyo]

I've been looking for a whitewater, something thats right for me as a begginer to advanced. Something i can put on class IV or V and still have a ball on I and II. Just an all-around, comfortable, whitewater kayak that's for a bigger guy.

[Boyo]

I don't think I'll be doing to much playboating, but who know's later on? That might call for a different boat.

[Lifejacket]

Normally takes a while to get to class V boating

[WoolyJR1]

You might try a Large Pyranha Burn. They are a River Runner/Creek Boat. They are super comfy for someone of large stature. I am 5'9 and 255 and it does really well for me. They can run some big water and they are a great boat for learning in. They also do fairly well at surfing. Try one out if you can, they are great boats.
J. R.

[RomanLA]

At this point, your best bet is probably to wait a month and go to Rendezvous. There will be a ton of boats available to demo.

[Jim Krueger]

Boyo,

I concur with Roman, do come to the Rendezvous if possible! If you like, we can paddle some flatwater on Lake Catherine on Saturday and maybe some gently moving water the next day on a Ouachita River float.
I'm certain, between the paddling, looking, visiting, you couldn't get a better primer to paddling and enjoy one of the most fun events the club hosts each year. Please come if you can, and do let us know if you are and we'll try and outfit you with a boat each day :)

Best Regards
Jim Moose

[Boyo]

Where can I get more info about Rendezvous? Sounds like something I'd like to do, could I bring my roomate who already whitewater kayaks?

[Jim Krueger]

Just look on the ACC homepage at the events section, it lists the Rendezvous details.

Jim

[David Mac]

There are a tiny handfull of boats out there that claim they can do everything from playboating to steep creeking, but in reality that just means that they too generalized to do anything very well.

A boat with enough volume for class V creeking is going to bob like a cork and surf poorly in class II water plus be impossible to throw around for playboating, a boat that is small and slicy enough to carve tight turns for surfing waves in class II water will end up pogoing the bottom of drops on the steep creeks, and a playboat will sit so low in the water that you'll exhaust yourself paddling the pools between rapids making it a chore to take any trips that aren't Park and Play, not to mention where such a boat would end up going over a class V drop.

A good river-runner would be my choice for a first boat, but in the long run you will either find a favorite type of water you like more than others or you will end up with a quiver of boats to cover the different types of water you paddle.

David

[RomanLA]

There are a tiny handfull of boats out there that claim they can do everything from playboating to steep creeking

I love my SCUD!!!

[Boyo]

Hey guys!

Just got my first boat, Wavesport Super EZ. I appreciate all of the help you guys have given me!