Beginner w/ lots of questions (long)

[WW]

Hi ya'll.

I spent the weekend learning river running in a C-1 conversion. This was my first whitewater paddling in over 10 years and I had a blast. I've been paddling a marathon C-1 daily for 3 years so basic boat-handling was not new to me. Now I want to do a lot more of this and I'm wondering what hulls to look for. There are locals who can help with the conversion.

What I'm interested in is river running with some play ability in a hull that is kinda forgiving for a beginner tho' that doesn't need to be over emphasized - I don't want to outgrow the boat in a year. The micro 250 I paddled seems to be a popular conversion but I was a little frustrated at times by the poor acceleration (I think it was poor - remember I paddle a marathon!) and it didn't ferry as high as the Atom my instructor was paddling (could have been me). I've seen the LL Hoss and Lil Joe mentioned on this forum and I suspect that's the sort of hull I'm looking for, but you see I don't really know. So anyway...a basic tutorial about hull types would be in order as well as any advice about getting into the sport.

Thanks in advance,
WW

[Craig Smerda]

True C1's
Finkenmeister
Atom

Good "all around" River Runner/PLay conversions
LL Hoss/Little Joe
Dagger Gt series
Pyranha I series
Wavesport EZ and Z series

no "particular" order... just suggestions. You can pick an of the K1's up reasonable. If you want a "true" C1... check the Finki or try an Atom. I would suggest the latter two in terms of true C1 feel and design.

[WW]

Thanks Craig.

I hadn't seen the wavesports before. The Z looks good. Also, how about the Score? Has anybody paddled it? What about as a C1?

WW

[sbroam]

The Score works great for me - do a search here (http://cboats.net/cforum/search.php) and you'll find me going on and on and on...

[WW]

Ok I looked and I get the sinking feeling that the Score is too big (i'm 150#). I asked about the score 'cause it was lower volume than the Z and still had the length. If it'll be fast (relatively) and still surf well then maybe it's pretty close to what I want. I think burying the ends is a long way off for me. Anyway, maybe little guys just can't get all the advantages out of the compromise boats and need more than 1 (not a bad thing in itself...)?

[sbroam]

Ok I looked and I get the sinking feeling that the Score is too big (i'm 150#).

If you want that "sinking feeling" you'll need a squirt boat I'm sure there are folks here who could point you to an Acrobat... Sorry, couldn't resist.

A Score would definitely be a surface boat for you, but then again, so would any of the "real" C-1s - Atom, Fink, Slasher, Cascade, etc... A Wavesport Foreplay is the medium sized version of the same design approach as the Score - flat bottomed, hard chined, pointy; resulting in some speed (for a conversion) and great surfing. The Foreplay may be small enough that you can stern squirt it which is, to me, a lot of fun. All other things equal, the Score would be faster because it is longer, but harder to "throw around".

The Z is in the family with the X - a little different, not as slicy, the ends are rounded, the boats are slower, yet still versatile. An X would be a better size fit than a Z. The EZ family are early "spud" boats - definitely slower.

In addition to the boats you mentioned with an eye to river running, I hear the Dagger GT/GTXs make good conversions. The Perception Blazes look pretty good, too.

Don't waste too much time finding the "perfect" boat, get one that is close enough, work with it and make a more informed purchase later. Don't under estimate the "opportunity cost" of sitting around sans boat!

Scott

[Guest]

If you want that "sinking feeling" you'll need a squirt boat I'm sure there are folks here who could point you to an Acrobat... Sorry, couldn't resist.

Don't waste too much time finding the "perfect" boat, get one that is close enough, work with it and make a more informed purchase later. Don't under estimate the "opportunity cost" of sitting around sans boat!

Scott

Threw you an easy pitch didn't I?
Good advice. Thanks.

[Jan_dettmer]

The Pyranha s8 is a great river running playboat with a bias towards play.
The i3 is a great river playboat with a bias to river running.

They both make great conversions and are very light. I apddled a s8 a couple weeks ago after paddling my blunt for month and it was quite the difference in weight. The plastic bar in the pyranhas makes a good ancor for thigh straps and is also a great base for a seat.

Cheers, Jan

[WW]

OK the search is on. I found this classified site:

http://www.kayaklink.com/

There are several foreplays close by and in my price range. Not many scores and no daggers.

Are there any other sources I can look at?

WW

[PAC]

Where are you located WW? Perhaps you could meet up with someone and "demo" a boat. Just a thought!
I'm 175 at 5'8" and Scott's Score was a tad big for me (Scott was making it look good ).
I use to paddle an X and liked it. Have seen the Z in action and thought it looked like a good choice as well!
Not sure if price is an issue for you but if it makes a good K it usually (not always) makes a good C. Outfitting is so personal that is always an add on issue.
The best thing to do is get into the boat your thinking about and test it out.
Good luck!

[WW]

I'm in Chattanooga. I just updated my profile.

Any c-boaters around here?

WW

[Jan_dettmer]

http://www.kayaknews.ca

there should be a US section as well...

Jan