I Need Some Help Getting Started

[wwrunner]

I am trying to get started into C1 and thought this would be a good place to start. I have been kayaking for the last 5 years and I am mostly a class IV-IV+ boater. I tried to get into C1 about two years ago. I made it out a few times but never had anyone who could help me with my roll or show me the ropes. I also started in the spring so when all of the creeks and rivers started to run, I was more interested in getting out and kayaking with all my friends since they were all kayakers (none of them wanted to wait on me to learn). I was also safety boating at the time for a raft company and was not able to use my C1 since I was just a beginner. I really enjoyed the challenge the few times I went out and would like the opportunity to try again.

So here I am now. I just recently moved to Denver, Colorado from West Virginia and I am looking for some people who can help me out. If anyone in the area is interested in taking me down some easy stuff in the spring and teaching me the way I would really appreciate it. I would also like some help with my roll in the pool this winter. The last and major thing is that I am in need of a boat. I sold my old C1 so I am looking for something used at a fairly cheap price. If anyone could help with any of this it would be greatly appreciate.

Thanks,

Kevin
roushkp@yahoo.com

[David Good]

wwrunner,

Welcome to the group… When I changed over to paddling C1 a few years ago, there are a few things that helped:

First, I spend a lot of time at a pool session so the first time I hit the river my roll was bomb proof. Believe me, you will need it!

Second, don't be temped to get back in the kayak when that prefect wave is in, this cause me some set backs initially. If you get to the point that every time you get a chance to paddle you're going out in the kayak, you won't progress in the C1. It's hard, believe me. It took me three years to get back to where I was in a kayak. (Don't fret, I may be an exception to the rule because I live sooo far from any whitewater (at least 3hr drive for real WW), so this may not be the case for you.)

The third thing that helped me was to hook up with the beginner/intermediate trips in my club. This got me out paddling and progressing on rivers that were within (if barely at first) my skill level and had other experienced paddlers around who were expecting to need to help others out. I never really needed the help, but it was nice knowing it was there.

Lastly, keep an eye on this board and ask questions. I have a feeling where you are, there won't be a very may c-boaters to hook up with. So like me you may be stuck with the school of hard knocks. Reading the posts here on this board, and the responses I've gotten to the few questions I've asked has been priceless. The advice here is pretty top notch…

As to what boat to get, just buy a boat and convert it. My choice was not the best. I converted a ProZone225 (because it's what I had) which was great for cartwheeling, but it sucked paddling down river. I got thrown around a lot in that boat, but I feel it caused me to be very aware of my posture and boat angle, in the long run making me a better paddler. If you don't have a boat laying around, ask around for what kayak makes a "decent" c-boat and buy one used cheap, after all you'll probably spend $100~200 outfitting it. Look around the site at the different outfitting options that are out there also, you may end up modifying the outfitting multiple time and having a good starting point help.


Take It Easy,

David

[wwrunner]

Thanks for all of the good advice David. I will keep all of that in mind. I have 3 boats right now, Riot Sniper creek boat, Dagger G-Force playboat and an old school Perception Dancer. Has anyone ever converted a Sniper? Is it any good? It is wide and very stable as a kayak. I don’t know if I would like to take the outfitting out of it though. I would rather buy a used c1 or convert a cheap kayak like you said.

Thanks

Kevin
roushkp@yahoo.com

[ClassFive Boats]

I paddled a canoe for years, kayaked for a year and didnt like it, then switched to C1 about 7 yrs ago. If your paddling IV and up all can say is youll have to get used to paddling closer to the edge of control than in a kayak, and get comportable with that. Doing a cross- forward stroke into a hole or sidesurfing on you offside out of a hole, takes a good set of nerves . Of the 3 types of boats it is definitely the most challenging , but at the end of a day tough creeking, it feels really good to to have done well in C1.

[cnoble]

I would like to suggest that you find open boaters in your area. You may also want to consider open boats prior to outfitting a C boat. Using an open boat for awhile will give you a good idea on what you want, or need, to keep you in your boat. I feel that outfitting a boat is the hardest, and most time consuming, part of being a C Boater. You will also get a good idea of what it takes to operate a C-1.

An open boat is also a good motavator to get you into a C boat. A boat half empty of cold water going over drops several times a day gets old. It is especially bad if you don't have the time to bail.

You should also test your knees, hips, and shoulders prior to putting a lot of time and effort into something you may not be able to do. Make sure you do not hurt yourself. You must understand that the muscle groups used in C boating are used other ways as opposed to kayaking. Sit on your knees, on the hard floor, while watching television, and simulate the moves that you will have to do. If you continue C boating, you will encounter runs that give you no time, or places, to stop, get out of your boat, and stretch.

I can not recall any C boater leaving their boats because they wanted to, however, I do know people who left C Boating because thier bodies could not do it anymore. Also, be prepared to be the probe most of the time, the other boaters ususlly wait for the C Boater to go first. You can see better, and usually have better boat control!

I would also suggest that you consider, at first, the largest volume you can get while keeping the length in check for the rivers that you will experience. There is always a debate concerning ready made C boats verses conversions.

Welcome!

[yarnellboat]

Hmm, cnoble, that might be some of the best advice I've ever seen on here! I wouldn't have thought to say it, but I agree it makes sense to go that route, even if only briefly.

In addition to the strokes, muscles and comfort, the best way to find C-1ers is probably by looking for open boaters.

http://www.rockymountaincanoeclub.org/

PY.