C-Forum

I'm an ex-kayaker who's now been open canoeing on mostly flatwater for about 7 years. About 10 years ago, I was running class IV pretty regularly. I'm now pushing 50, but am very interested in getting into a C-1. I want something just to run the river (class II-III) as I have no desire to be shredding holes. Thinking that a Dagger Atom might fit the bill, I've been trying to get ahold of one for two years now. Unfortunately, there aren't a lot available in my neck of the woods (N. California). That being the case, I was wondering if anyone could give me advice on what might be the most appropriate kayak to convert for my purposes. Your comments would be appreciated.

Thanks, Warren

Warren, how much do you weigh? That will greatly influence what boat to recommend.

martin a.k.a. the great gonzo!

Martin,

I'm 5'9", 170 lbs. I look forward to your recommendations.

Thanks, Warren

Warren,
are you looking for a newer style of C1 or a older boat?
i have a newer Pyranha I3 223 tricked out as a C1
good river runner and river play
it's yellow and blue speckle and have a new sprayskirt (been in the pool 1 time and on river 3 times)
asking $400 could in include a new paddle also
just a option
let me know
john c.

My rule of thumb for kayaks to convert is to take a kayak that would suit your needs and size as a kayak, then get the next size up. My reasoning is that the "next size up" will have a little more length (helping with speed) and a little more volume (more forgiving, but you have more leverage to sink the ends if you want).

For me, I could probably paddle a Foreplay as a K-1 (I'd be at the top end of the weight range), but converted a Score.

I've not kept up with the latest crop of boats, but the WS X/Z and Foreplay/Score made good conversions for river running. The Dagger GTX (newer, came in two sizes?) and Redline (older) are good, too. There are a number of Liquid Logic river runners that look likely, too.

It sounds like you're interests in river-running class II-III would be best suited to a creek boat, they paddle more like a normal canoe - you don't get tripped up on your edges or sink your ends.

There lots of threads on here discussing good creeker conversions.

P.

The tricky part of outfitting a k to c is anchoring your knees. My last convert I purchased an aluminum hollow rod and placed it (forced/drilled) under each bulkhead, then I glued the saddle on top. I drilled hole where the thigh straps go and bolted them in place on the aluminum rod. To keep the bow end of the rod from swinging a little , I used metal from the hardware store, about 1 inch wide with holes, aluminum once again, and bolted each side to the kayak where the "foot brace' rails would go. Other than that it is all foam. Some folks carve knee holders out of foam and mount them above thier knees. This boat was outfitted as a creeker/tripper so this was not a desirable option. For thigh straps, I went to my local climbing store, and got hollow tube style nylon webbing, and attatched em to the hip brace bolts on the kayak. Keep in mind you want an intermediate release on the thigh straps for "plan C" swimming... Plan A is running right, plan b is rolling, plan c is swimming, lol
Anyway, with more foam around the hips and a little bit more attatchment to the "end" of my knees, they are loose right now, this will be a pretty sweet boat. I outfitted a Wavesport Y, very cool boat.

I was 170 paddling a Forplay (that makes close to 184 with sprayskirt, clothing, pfd, and throwbag etc.). The forplay was a bit small to carry that weight in class III and perform well. I cut down my beer/pizza consumption, and the boat serves me well at aproximately 160 plus gear. The Forplay is a great boat, I'd concur with going a bit larger as in an X or Score.

If you're just looking to basically river run on Class II-III, a dagger GT is a good kayak to convert.

I am about 115 lbs, 5'4" and have a GT 7.5....easy to roll, pretty manueverable as a C1 (I have one as a kayak, but don't like it as well as a kayak). I also converted the GTX as a C1, still real easy to maneuver, but it was hard for me to roll.

The GTX would probably work well for you.

A creek boat, you would lose some of the manueverability and I think you would miss that on the easier II-III rivers.

If you can try a GT, I would highly suggest that.

Nancy