Best river-running/play C1?

[dmorin]

Looking for the best of both for 1st C-1 : fast, stable yet easy enough to go vertical. 180 lbs. Considering Foreplay or Big E-Z.

Comments, other suggestions?

[PAC]

Its hard to respond to that question since no one boat is best at everything. Some folks love glass others plastic. From your post it sounds like your looking for a plastic kayak conversion!
Where do you paddle and what types of rivers? How are your C1 skills? Are you coming from K or a C background?
I'd suggest hooking up with other C1ers in you're area and demoing their boats. The Armada's are really good for "borrowing" boats.
Both the boats you noted are good from my experience (but I have limited time in both). Others that are good - redline, X, etc. - they may be more inexpensive but might not play as well for you.
Personally, I would look for something to learn in (aka: cheap), get some stick time in it, try other boats, then pick up what you want (should be inexpensive since there is a flood of kayaks out there). Post where your located and see if you can hook up with someone to demo. Enjoy and welcome to the dark side!!!

[dmorin]

Thanks.

I am an experinced and solid OC-1 boater. I have tried a few C-1's, but the problem is fitting into someone else's outfitting. Found the LL session not enough volume, had a Centerfuge for a while, but couldn't stand the pain of the outfitting. Also found it very slow. I know there will be no perfect boat, but am looking for something I can grow into, learn a few moves and enjoy small rapids again. Since I am learning, I am willing to listen to the voices of experience. I am in Ontario, Canada
Dave

[aldenb]

i have a forplay -- it's too big for me to really throw around at 150, but you would be good at 180. i think, though, that if you're considering those two boats, why not just go for the newer (one would imagine "updated") version: in this case the big EZ.
Alden

[Mike W.]

I have a Big EZ C-1. This boat is a hoot on steep waves. Flatwater squirts & bow stalls are easy. On an eddyline, it'll throw 2 ends without an initiation stroke if you do the hip thing right. It is the easiest boat that I have ever tried to roll. While not as stable as me Cascade, it is stable enough for an 8" seat. Speaking of stability, this boat doesn't care which end, side, or corner is up, it's equally stable at all points. It is also the slowest boat that I've ever been in .

If you want plastic & speed, maybe try the Foreplay & the Score.

If you're not afraid of glass you need a Viper Just check Kneal's post about paddling my Viper yesterday.

Mike W.

[Steffen]

The Forplay is a good boat for river running. I know a guy(260lb) who uses it in WW5. My brother uses the bigger version(Score). It´s very stable. But it´s hard to do flatwater work. 2 ends. I think that´s max. The forplay is better for play;-)
Both(Score and Forplay) are really fast boats.

[Timzjatl]

You ought to see if you can find a Riot Disco for cheap and outfit it. I had one and it was ultra fogiving, but could throw down with the best. I only got rid of if because at 150, it was a little too much volume. If I had only one boat it would be a disco, I felt comfortable in class 4+ whitewater in mine, and still had a great time playing. at 6'6" its not super fast, but neither is the big EZ or any other modern playboat compared to your OC1. Try one, I think you'll like it.
Tim

[PAC]

Sounds like you have a number of options based on the responses from fellow C1ers.
Again my suggestions: Borrow as many C1s as you can to try out to see what you like; jump at the chance to borrow any C1 no matter what the design (you might hate the boat but like the outfitting); and if you can buy one of the recommended boats cheap do so. If it’s already a C1 great – if not converting it is not a big deal and is helpful in the learning curve. Besides with the market place flooded with “outdated” kayaks you have a good selection of good convertibles at reasonable prices.
Be prepared for some learning time! Not only for just learning how to paddle a C1 (we all continue to do that – or at least I do - but since you’re coming from OC you’ll progress quickly), but also on getting your C1 tweaked out to your personal performance and comfort level. I’ve been told by my paddling buddies (kayakers) that C1ers are too anal about there outfitting. I guess that comes from having to kit out our boats (plastic or glass) due to the lack of factory set ups. Or it could be because we are individualists that are more exceptions than the norm (as is the case in most kayakers)! I like the sound of the second!
Check out the different threads / links on the site relating to outfitting and pedestal sizing (personally I like a higher seat – comfort and leverage). Coming from OC you might like just thigh straps but check out lap / thigh strap combinations, “suicide belts” (but be careful ), and lap blocks (I like the thigh straps lap block combination, along with ankle blocks and a butt / back block). Again what you like others may hate and visa versa!
I think Sir Adam is working on a conversion section on this site and that would be really helpful (hint Adam)!
Let us know how it goes (what you decide on) and what ever other questions you come across!

[dmorin]

You have been very helpful!
Dave