C-Forum

I'll have another demo Spark at the Deerfield Fest... along with most of the Esquif canoe line.

I just picked it up in NH today, and am really looking forward to getting it wet.

Look for my trailer with the fleet, and say hello. Please come visit at the demo days.

If I leave the trailer behind, look for my new white GMC Savana van, that may or may not have a roof rack, as I can fit most boats inside. (The hula girl on the dash says that it's mine).

Hope to see you there! If you'll not be at the Deerfield Fest, let me know of an event in your area, where you'd like to see the fleet.

-David Nickerson
Esquif Canoes
www.esquif.com
EsquifUSA@aol.com

Cool!

I think I've just found a "pig boat" that's acceptable to a racer! Feels kind'a like my Reaktor with a bit of ballast. That's quite an achievement. Now I've got to save up a bit of the Green Stuff for a new toy...

I had 5 minutes in the Spark Sunday on the Deerfield. I almost flipped it getting in, I was treating it like my old XL which is a few inches wider. Once in with the double thigh straps adjusted to fit I made a few quick ferries and a brief surf and side surf. It handles real nice and precise. Side surfing, I had the gunnal down on the waterline letting a bit of water in. I think I was over compensating and would probably get more level with time in the boat. One gentleman rolled it very smoothly, all in one motion. I liked this boat and reccommend it. One comment on the construction, it was out fitted with wood (ash ?) gunwails (sp) and thwarts which will require annual maintainance and care in portaging/lugging. The thwart in front of the paddler is under sized in my opinion. It is the natural member to grab to hall it around and I felt I could rip it right off its connections if I was not carefull.

till next
Jim

Okay, I will now reveal my ignorance and ask, "Who makes the Spark?"

I thought we were talking about a K-1 to C-1 conversion, then Julie posted a picture of one along with some of her other shots from the Nationals. Looks like a pretty hot OC-1. So who makes it? Length? Beam? Who designed it? I can't even tell if it's composite or Royalex.

I checked the OC Rec Boats page, but the boat was conspicuously absent...

SPARK:
Built in ABS by Esquif Canoes in Frampton, Quebec.
This open canoe's design is based off of the IGNITOR, the most successful slalom canoe ever designed. It's primary intent is for high performance river running. Meaning that if you like zipping in and out of eddies at incredible speed, this boat is for you. It also can be raced quite succesfully.
Designed by John Kazimierczyk and Jacques Chasse.
Length-11'8". Width-26".
This boat will make it's "official" debut at the outdoor show coming up in Salt Lake City.
Contact your Esquif dealer for more info.
JK