C-Forum

The Fairbanks Paddlers are a pretty active club. If you can't find them, send me a message and I'll try to connect you directly to a few folks.

At 5'8", 150 lb, I would encourage a smaller design than any of these...unless you plan to carry a lot of gear or paddle a lot of flatwater. The Impulse is definitely more boat than this paddler would want. The Rival is quick and responsive. The Vertige is stable and forgiving. The Vertige would be ...

I have one in Asheville you are welcome to try.
I may have it passing through VA in August if all goes well.

The American is worth a look. I'm not sure what the release schedule is like during the draught.

I'm pretty sure that's what Jez used in his playboat during the World Cup a while back. It ended up absorbing water and he had to chisel it out.

I have had a few Taureaus fail at that weld. The later versions were flared down and held better, but inevitably at some point that is where the boat will split. I have drilled holes and laced it back together. The pop rivet technique or tiny nuts and bolts also work well. If you use metal parts, I ...

I run an annual ACA L:4 IDW/ICE for canoes in Western NC at the end of April. I love the short boats, but typically have a mix of craft. We use tandems, but primarily focus on solo skills. I have had instructor candidates use Spanishfly/Option/L'edge. I am willing to accept Ion or equivalent paddler...

Hello,
I sent you a message through boatertalk as well.
I would like to buy your Ion (actually, my friend Simon wants it and he is ready to pay you right now).
Please call 970-366-1610 or 931-456-0060
Thanks!
Eli (Simon)

My former whitewater coach contacted me looking for a Wildwater C-1. Does anyone have one they would like to sell? It will be well used as Warren Wilson College seeks to defend their National Intercollegiate Title.

Royalex, like canoeing, will evolve, not die! I can't seem to upload the image of Esquif's Press Release, but they announced today that they will be producing T-Formex, the next generation of Royalex, available for distribution in early 2015. Hopefully we will have prototypes on the water near you t...

I took a solo Vertige X and enjoyed it. I used Esquif's three point anchor system, but I probably stood up for thirty miles and I hitched a ride on a raft about the same. I didn't have a pump, but used rafts like the shore to empty occasionally. I had a bottle of Old Crow that sufficed as a bailer a...

I think one of the most difficult challenges to progressing one's skills is recognizing the existing weaknesses in our form. Breaking bad habits is much more challenging than trying new techniques. I have benefitted greatly over the years from both paid instruction and a stubborn belief that I can p...

I know they are available in straight-shaft and bent-shaft versions. I don't think they are intentionally a secret, but there are limited shops selling canoes, and even less selling the paddles. In the Southeast at the moment, I would say it is a special order. That being said, if you use a 58 inch ...

I like the Vertige X. It is stable, dry and responsive enough to take down the Upper Gauley or most Southeastern Creeks. The Blast is certainly more high performance, but the Vertige X surfs well and boofs great. I realize Ashevile is a long distance from you, but mine is available for paddlers to d...

I don't know that they are the best (I still run without a pump), but Esquif's kit retails for $262.
Feel free to contact me if you need help.
Cheers,
Eli