better... easier ???

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Have 'newer' boat designs opened up new runs and generally made paddling better and easier for you?

Poll ended at Sun Dec 14, 2014 3:07 pm

Yay
10
71%
Nay
4
29%
 
Total votes: 14

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Craig Smerda
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better... easier ???

Post by Craig Smerda »

Have the 'newer' boat designs that have come out in the last few years opened up new runs and generally made paddling more technical whitewater better and easier for you?
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Cheeks
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Re: better... easier ???

Post by Cheeks »

Yes, but only when I use bilge pumps and a full face [quietly exits]

In all seriousness, the new designs of the last couple years are definitely more stable/forgiving and that makes me more comfortable pushing the envelope. It's almost like that was the point of creating the new designs... :o
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Re: better... easier ???

Post by ezwater »

You can't put new wine into old wineskins.... I'm old, and intend to get older by not pushing the envelope. I aim for more precise performance on easier water (hence....) so I look for slalomey rather than creekey features.

Plus, I look stupid in short boats.
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TheKrikkitWars
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Re: better... easier ???

Post by TheKrikkitWars »

I've reverted to a 2001 boat, so that's a big no from me.
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KNeal
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Re: better... easier ???

Post by KNeal »

Cheeks wrote:Yes, but only when I use bilge pumps and a full face [quietly exits]
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Cheeks
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Re: better... easier ???

Post by Cheeks »

KNeal wrote:
Cheeks wrote:Yes, but only when I use bilge pumps and a full face [quietly exits]
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Re: better... easier ???

Post by milkman »

Have new designs made it better, easier? I don't know. What year did the Prelude come out? I haven't paddled a better boat than the Prelude, but then the entire Blackfly line is a bit of a mystery to those of us in Oregon. None of us yet have made the leap of faith. I've bought the T-shirt, but not drunk (or paid) for the Kool-aid.
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Re: better... easier ???

Post by avlclimber »

I have enjoyed testing out the newer designs and have been lucky enough to put my hands on them (at least briefly). However the things that have vastly improved my paddling skills have been:
*paddling for a week straight (fortuitous rain and schedule last summer) and
*paddling more rivers and more difficult rivers.
*oh, also learning to roll and
*having a boat better sized to my height/weight.

I paddle a Prelude, and prefer that for most runs. I once told someone who was asking about the new designs that what I would want one for would be "running hard stuff." They informed me that I was paddling the hard stuff.

I decided that was true. The Prelude is very rewarding in all water. I guess if I find some really hard stuff I want to paddle, I'll give those new designs another look.
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pmp
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Re: better... easier ???

Post by pmp »

yeah for sure. ie: the l'edge, the confidence it instills in staying upright and punching stuff will definitely help.
Before Dooley got a l'edge all I ever saw him do was class 2 rapids... now look what he's doing :)
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