C-Forum

Man ho man, i started to play with my new spark, and let me tell you, it is quite the different boat, from any thing I paddle so far(outrage x, ocoee, vipers...) way less stable, I don't know if it is because the pedestal is not at the right place, or it is that I'm to heavy for the boat, but it is really different than anything else!!

I think I will end up loving it.... but for now it really feel like I'm back a few steps skills wise in paddling that boat!!

Just wanted to share my first thoughts on the new boat!
Cheers
David

It's not for you.

Sell it cheap (give it) to a lighter anglo friend. Otherwise you'll just wind up looking as silly as you do driving around in that new car.
You look like a shriner.

Only paddled one once, on the Nantahala, and I did swim once. The Spark is only about 25" wide at the waterline, significantly less than the Outrage, Ocoee, or the Vipers.

But I too got the impression that I would really like the boat once I got used to it.

Consider dropping the saddle height down a little to help with stability. Not sure what is a good height for the boat, but someone on here will know.

Kneal, I did considered it, but it is at 8.5 right now, just like my outrageX, I thought it would be fine... I might try it at 7.5... We"ll see after today...
Cheers

back to basics really when I switched from a esquif nitro to my prelude I took a step back too, had to focus on driving the boat and had to re-work my roll as well (still not 100%) but once you start making the moves around the waves and holes that were giving you trouble youre gonna be loving that hull speed

take the beating it does get better

+1 to kneal as well

My saddle us a just under 8" and It help on stability.

I have an Inferno that was owned by Kaz. The seat height is just slighly over 7". The Inferno was based off the Igniter as was the Spark. Keep in mind that Kaz indicated that the Inferno is his "highest performing boat" as a reference for the seat height.

When lowering the saddle height, I suggest to start at 8 inches and take off a quarter-inch at a time. Little bits make enough of a difference. That way, you can avoid too low.

Ok, saddle is going down... I can drop it a just a hair under 8" and see from there... Didn't get to paddle it today, I was paddling with my 4 year old daughter, it was a lot of fun.... even if I lost a boat on the way back on the HWY .... YTcanoe will chime in on that one I'm sure !!!
Cheers and thank you for all the comments!
David

Ho, and maybe one more thing... Where is the back rest of your saddle in regard to the bow( in inches). When I put it at 75" as per Kaz, my bow was heavy... now I'm at 79" and the bow is just a tad light, when siting up right, so just right as I'm into the stroke. I'm 6'2" and around 225 lbs(going down ), What is yours at?
Thank you
David

I'm dismayed that you do not follow the time honored traditions of "finders keepers".

I'll elaborate no further as I plan to work this one subtly ...... for a long time.
Awesome day on the Tak, good laughs on the way back, and some ultra cool father/daughter surfing by canotrouge.

4x4 techniques only. You need to paddle this boat with forward and cross forward strokes. Stern strokes and prys just don't work with that boat design. It's a great boat and you'll absolutely love it once you've mastered the correct strokes. Good luck!

I don't agree with the 4x4 technique only comment. The Spark responds wonderfully to stern prys and draws. (YMMV) That said, strong cab-forward technique will pay dividends.

I am on my second Spark, have left the saddle height untouched on both and could not be happier. I'm 5'11'' and 215 lbs so your extra height possibly does warrant some saddle height reduction. I would suggest a little more time in the saddle at the current height before you start changing things though. Give yourself a little time to acclimate to the different hull.

Dave

dafriend wrote:I don't agree with the 4x4 technique only comment. The Spark responds wonderfully to stern prys and draws. (YMMV) That said, strong cab-forward technique will pay dividends.

I am on my second Spark, have left the saddle height untouched on both and could not be happier. I'm 5'11'' and 215 lbs so your extra height possibly does warrant some saddle height reduction. I would suggest a little more time in the saddle at the current height before you start changing things though. Give yourself a little time to acclimate to the different hull.

Dave

Will we see you racing it in Wausau this coming weekend ?