Kayak to C1
Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 5:47 am
I'm a longtime kayaker interested in trying C1 for some variety. My goal is to make the easier runs and early/late season boating a little more interesting.
I currently paddle about 30 days a year (limited season here in Colorado), class IV/IV+.
Some questions...particularly looking for feedback from other paddlers who've made the switch:
If I manage to get a good roll in the pool and practice some strokes, how far back will the C1 knock me? Will I be back on class II for a season, or is it reasonable to expect that's I'll be running IIIs and maybe familiar IVs?
Are there many switch paddlers out there, or are there reasons not to boat both ways? (I can't see myself quitting kayaking.)
What kind of boat should I look for? I'm debating between getting a C1 playboat and a C1 river runner. I've never been fan of river runners for kayaking...I paddle a playboat most of the time and switch to a creeker for mild creeks. But are the advantages of river runners greater in C1?
Any C1'ers on the northern Front Range of Colorado (Fort Collins) that would be willing to let me try your boat?
Thanks!
I currently paddle about 30 days a year (limited season here in Colorado), class IV/IV+.
Some questions...particularly looking for feedback from other paddlers who've made the switch:
If I manage to get a good roll in the pool and practice some strokes, how far back will the C1 knock me? Will I be back on class II for a season, or is it reasonable to expect that's I'll be running IIIs and maybe familiar IVs?
Are there many switch paddlers out there, or are there reasons not to boat both ways? (I can't see myself quitting kayaking.)
What kind of boat should I look for? I'm debating between getting a C1 playboat and a C1 river runner. I've never been fan of river runners for kayaking...I paddle a playboat most of the time and switch to a creeker for mild creeks. But are the advantages of river runners greater in C1?
Any C1'ers on the northern Front Range of Colorado (Fort Collins) that would be willing to let me try your boat?
Thanks!