C-Forum

I want to get back into WW paddling after a year layoff. I was a Class 2-3 OC1 paddler. I'm looking for suggestions for good learning C1 boat. I weight 215 and 6ft tall. thanks greg

Sounds like you'll want something with a decent amount of volume, a bit of speed, easy to roll and the ability to do a little play. You might want to consider one of the relatively modern playboat conversions - something around 7-8.5 feet long with around 50-60gallons. I think you'll find the learning easier than in an older long boat, although you'll probably find the later cheaper. How much play do you want to do and how much river running? What did you use to paddle as an OC1? These will effect your boat choice - if you used to paddle a longer OC1 (e.g. solo ME) then you'll probably want a longer boat to start with since more of your reactions and river reading/planning skills will cross over. Similar if you're really just interested in river running. If you have a more play focus, then a more modern boat will be called for. I think I saw a posting for a Super EZ C1 for sale on the board recently - thsoe are meant to be forgiving and pretty good for play, but somewhat slow.....probably not a bad choice if you want to play more. I'd also recommend going plastic initially - less repair time

Just some thoughts.

Matt

PS. If you want to convert a boat, I have a Bliss Stick Lifestyler for sale (currently K1)...that'd be a good general purpose river runner and forgiving enough for a beginner. Also it has a planing hull so you can learn to flat spins and do some other wave moves, but it's probably too rounded and high volume for squirting. I used it as a K1 creek boat when I still kayaked, but I'm also only 150lbs. The posting is on the for sale forum (sorry, had to put in a plug)

Do you want to play or run rivers? Do you want a relatively gentle introduction to C boating?

Bruce Farrenkopf