Re: [Paddlewise] [Fwd: White Water Recomendations]

From: Erik Sprenne <sprenne_at_netnitco.net>
Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2001 00:00:52 -0600
My feet are only 11's, but are big enuf that they were an issue when
shopping for a _short_ WW boat.  I sat in every boat I could, and
test-paddled the most comfy ones before I bought my short boat - a Beast
(made by Savage, which is no longer in business).

It was just too hard for me to get into and out of some of the newer short
boats, and my relatively inflexible ankles suffered in many of the boats
after 15-20 minutes.  Last summer I took the Beast out to play in the surf,
and had a hard time punching out through the breakers (we get reasonable
surf under full-fetch conditions here at the southern end of Lake Michigan)
due both to the slow hull speed, and the low volume bow knifing into the
waves.

At the risk of sounding 'old school', I'd suggest an older design boat as
and all-purpose *river and surf* boat.  One that comes to mind - and that
might even fit 13's - is the Cruise Control by New Wave.  It's an old enough
design that it won't break the bank, it's an excellent front surfing boat,
and has enough speed to make paddling upstream or though the surf less of a
grunt.  You can't throw ends in this boat due to it's high volume bow, but
it will do respectable stern squirts.
And did I mention?  It surfs REALLY well!

Regards,
Erik Sprenne


Wayne Smith wrote:
> I would like to expand my fleet to include an all purpose White Water /
Surf
> boat.
> Any reccomendations??
> I am 6'2" - 200# A bit long of leg (Inseam = 32") - Beginner-Intermediate
> paddler.  Would like to learn to roll..
> Would like to find a boat that fits most criteria...


Bill Leonhardt added:
> The question of white water boat recommendations is very interesting to
me.
>  It is something I wonder about from time to time.
>
> Although it is useful to hear the height and weight of someone
recommending
> a boat, it would be also good to consider shoe size as well.  At 6'1", 215
> lbs and 32" inseam, I can scale from what others have said...PROVIDING...I
> can fit in my size 13 feet.



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Received on Tue Feb 27 2001 - 22:01:59 PST

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