C-Forum

Hey all,

I'm a kayaker looking to start C1-ing. Any thoughts on Conversion. I currently know almost nothing. I have a good C1 roll but very few other skills (I can catch eddies and ferry in class II). I had thought it would be nice to have a larger volume playboat (and I would get lots of roll practice) but im not sure. I had my eye on a necky orbit fish. do they convert well? once ive decided on a boat where do i go from there? Any and all advice/suggestions appreciated, just don't judge me because I normally have two blades on my paddle.

thanks,
Eric

Two things to check out first:

1) use the search feature for "conversion", and you'll see a lot of reviews of converted boats.
2) In the upper-left where you see "Search Boats" select "Conversion" and you'll see images and reviews of boats folks have posted up so far.

Others more knowledgeable than myself will likely chime in on good boats, but it would be helpful to list your paddling skill (class of water paddled in a hardboat of any sort), body shape / size (e.g. are you 150 lbs or 250 lbs?), and what sorts of paddling you hope to do (creeks, rodeo, river-running, cruising, tripping, etc...)

Ditto on everything that adamin said. I think the Orbit Fish would be a good hull. Before you buy it check to see if you fit. I find that most Necky & Riot cockpit rims are pretty narrow, which means that they're too tight on my thighs. If you can use a low saddle this is not a problem as your thighs will be under the deck. Remember that you'll be a couple of inches forward of the kayak seating position.

If you can catch eddies & ferry in class II you're good enough for the North Branch of the Potomac. You should come to the Armada May 30 - June 1. You can try some boats & check out some outfitting.

I loved my Wavesport Z and it was a great river runner/large playboat. Very stable and easy to roll.
Shawn

thanks for the advice. first to respond to the admin's questions....

I'm 5" 6' and about 175 lbs, am comfortable paddling class IV+ in my kayak (starting to paddle some easy-ish class V), I don't think ill want to creek in the C1 (although i love creeking in my kayak so who knows) and was thinking of getting a playboat. i don't know if its the same for c1-ers but i find that I can run pretty much anything that's not really creeky in my playboat and be fine (as long as its not too hard for me to begin with). Ill probably spend some time getting worked but it will perfect my river roll at the least. what do you all think of the dagger FX? i know its pretty small but a guy is selling one for $100 and i might not be able to resist. unfortunately i think ill be working the north potomac weekend and i think its far away. near DC? if there is anything similar happening in the north east let me know. thanks again,

-Eric

IMO

where do you live you might be able to try some cboats out..

I live in Amherst MA (near the Deerfield river) and am moving to north conway NH in three weeks.

I'm getting ready to convert two boats but you live an awful long way- are you going to the Armada?

I don't know, what's the armada?