C-Forum

I am 5'4", 140lb and would like paddlers' thoughts related to the Esquif Zephyr for someone my size. I know there was a Zephyr related post back in November, but it didn't have much paddler size information in the various responses. With regards to the on paper specifications, I find the listed weight attractive but worry that the boat might be a bit wide for me.

For boat comparison, I currently own an Ocoee. So far, I've only had the opportunity to play with it in flatwater and class II (Iowa is rather short on class III). I can roll it in the pool, and I find it easy to surf and to cut into and out of eddies playing in the class II to which I have access. I dislike getting it onto and off of the car.

The Zephyr is no wider than an Ocoee - I think the width should not be an issue at all. A couple of friends have tried my Zephyr and are in your size/weight range - they had no problem with the size and all remark favorably on the weight.

The Zephyr is not as "hot" a boat as the Ocoee - it's a little more friendly, not quite as snappy. I think it's key advantage is the weight. I'm thinking it will be a good boat to try my kids in as they get a little bigger.

I loved my Zephyr, it paddle great very stable and dry. Great for on and off cars and trucks, and is easy on the paddler. Mine suffered a crack in the stern so I don't think would hold up on ELF runs, but where there is plently of water the boat will keep you happy. You will also have many on the river admiring the great looks Black and kindof fast for the size.

I found the Zephyr to be fast, not quite as edgy as Ocoee, but if you slide into an eddy and hit a rock midships be careful because the material doesn't slide over rocks like Royalex or plastic. I had a problem with a crack in an early version. They have more material in the stern now. When you go over a ledge use a little angle to avoid hitting the stern.
Fast boat, so much easier to portage and load.

Get a Zephyr and sell me your Ocoee