[Paddlewise] Inflatable Kajaks for White Water Use ?

Hal Christiansen writes:
 > As an err...... uhm..... full figured gentleman (i.e. fat guy) I have been 
 > unable to find a hard shell white water kajak that I can fit in 
 > comfortably. As a result I have been contemplating the option of an 
 > inflatable such as the AIRE - LYNX 1 or the FORCE XL.
 > 
 > Does anyone have any experience with this form of water craft ?????

>From my own experience (Aire Force), the SOT inflatables can be fun
boats.  They can pack a decent amount of gear strapped on behind the
paddler.  For river running they would be a great boat, but they don't
compare to a hardshell for maneuverability and speed.  I tried to play
in some standing waves with one and it took a great deal of effort to
not quite make it across the eddy line to the wave 8( Possibly with
more practice it could be done.

There's also some interesting things going on with stability.  While
the initial stability is strong and you can get tossed around w/o a
problem, your center of gravity is higher and once you start to go
over its hard to stop.  Theoretically the Aire series are rollable and 
they provide thigh straps, I havn't seen it done (yet 8).

Are you able to rent one in your area?  


Glen Acord - Eugene, OR
WKCC, OKCC, OOPS
Mariner II, Neckie Rip



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