Jackson 4Fun - C1 Review
Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2005 2:38 pm
Some may remember I was insearch of a C-1 for my son a few weeks back as he decided to forgo continued Kayaking in lieu of dedicating himself to "prayerfull" contemplation upon the water, C-1! Well, I found him a boat. A Jackson Kayaks 4Fun converted to C-1 by Colin Kemp a Valley Mill here in Maryland. I have since, stollen the boat from referenced son and spent a little time paddling it myself. What follows is a quick review as I think many will be interrested.
Me, 5'11" 200lbs, experienced with slalom boats and squirt C-1s. Time in boat reviewed, four hours, Lower Yough loop and Difficult Run chutes, Potomac River Gorge.
Impressions:
1. Very stable, excellent secondary stability with minimal, sudden panic braces. Rolls good.
2. Surfs and plays holes really well. I believe I am only scratching the surface of this boats capability as a playboat. Remember, I am at the top of the reccomended weight limit of 200 lbs, with optimum weight of 180 lbs. from the manufacturer as a playboat/river runner Kayak. Also, I am older and more conservative.
3. Kinda felt like a cork in the wave train below Cucumber. Does not hold forward speed well. See my specs and weight reccomendations for 4Fun.
4. Ferries well both on and off side. I was kind of surprised with this. You really have to blow past the eddy wall!
5. Attainments are difficult; however, with the good ferrying characteristics, you just need to plan a little bit more.
6. Dropping into holes backwards to play them is incredibly fun! LY/Entrance.
7. Colin adapted a Jackson Kayak back band to a lapbelt. Kinda dangerous if inexperienced as the release is a bit small and cumbersome. However, for bigger water and rodeo moves beyond what I am capable of, it would be essential to have a lapbelt in addition to the good thigh restraints he added to the forward bulk head.
8. Once tied into this boat it really responds to every movement you make. It very much needs to be paddled from the Bow! On side, Off side transitions need to be quick and short. To much precious forward speed is sacrificed with the smallest of stern pry's. Mystery moves, Squirts, etcs are all possbile especially when your weight is carefully considered.
Hope this helps anyone considering converting a Jackson 4Fun to C-1. I will be looking for one or something similar for myself as my son is not real happy with me abusing his boat!
Tom
Me, 5'11" 200lbs, experienced with slalom boats and squirt C-1s. Time in boat reviewed, four hours, Lower Yough loop and Difficult Run chutes, Potomac River Gorge.
Impressions:
1. Very stable, excellent secondary stability with minimal, sudden panic braces. Rolls good.
2. Surfs and plays holes really well. I believe I am only scratching the surface of this boats capability as a playboat. Remember, I am at the top of the reccomended weight limit of 200 lbs, with optimum weight of 180 lbs. from the manufacturer as a playboat/river runner Kayak. Also, I am older and more conservative.
3. Kinda felt like a cork in the wave train below Cucumber. Does not hold forward speed well. See my specs and weight reccomendations for 4Fun.
4. Ferries well both on and off side. I was kind of surprised with this. You really have to blow past the eddy wall!
5. Attainments are difficult; however, with the good ferrying characteristics, you just need to plan a little bit more.
6. Dropping into holes backwards to play them is incredibly fun! LY/Entrance.
7. Colin adapted a Jackson Kayak back band to a lapbelt. Kinda dangerous if inexperienced as the release is a bit small and cumbersome. However, for bigger water and rodeo moves beyond what I am capable of, it would be essential to have a lapbelt in addition to the good thigh restraints he added to the forward bulk head.
8. Once tied into this boat it really responds to every movement you make. It very much needs to be paddled from the Bow! On side, Off side transitions need to be quick and short. To much precious forward speed is sacrificed with the smallest of stern pry's. Mystery moves, Squirts, etcs are all possbile especially when your weight is carefully considered.
Hope this helps anyone considering converting a Jackson 4Fun to C-1. I will be looking for one or something similar for myself as my son is not real happy with me abusing his boat!
Tom