Quick background: I have been paddling since I was about 6. My Dad bought a Wenonah Echo in 1984 and started taking me out every weekend on the Little Miami River in Ohio.
I have paddled quite a bit of flat water and mello streams primarily in Wenonah canoes. I have never really needed anything with more than an inch of rocker until the last few years when I developed a taste for WW after moving to North Carolina near Winston-Salem.
Last summer I bought an old Dagger RPM and started learning the basics of rolls and braces... I dislocated my shoulder paddling towards the end of summer. This on top of a partial rotator cuff tear sidelined me for the fall season. I do not find a kayak paddle comfortable any more. I did paddle an old glass C1 a few times and enjoyed it. However, it had only a small foam saddle. With no skirt, it was limited to subdued paddling. I also paddled an outfitted 15 foot Whitesell. It is way too much canoe for what I am looking to do.
What I am looking for is a solid class 3 boat. Most of my paddling will be class1 and 2 with the occasional 3 thrown in. I often paddle up stream to a nice class 1 wave train to play and surf. I need to do this on the cheap. I have paddles and vests, helmets... all the usual stuff. I need a boat. I have thought about trying to convert the rpm or another old school yak. I would rather go with an open boat though.
So, please advise on boats to look for, places to look. I could sell the rpm to help finance, but want to stay as cheap as possible.
Here is one rapid I plan on paddling.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FKhvcAbHOU
Sort of New NC Paddler
Moderators: kenneth, sbroam, TheKrikkitWars, Mike W., Sir Adam, KNeal, PAC, adamin
Welcome to the club!
There are lots of good boats in the 12-13 foot range. Something stable like a Esquif Vertige, Mohawk XL-13 or Mohawk Probe-13 (formerly Probe 12, but NOT Probe 12-II) will get you through the occasional III/III+ just fine, but also be easier to paddle on flat-ish water. The XL-13 and Probe 13 (12) will probably be easier to find used for a good price.
Hope this helps!
Shep
There are lots of good boats in the 12-13 foot range. Something stable like a Esquif Vertige, Mohawk XL-13 or Mohawk Probe-13 (formerly Probe 12, but NOT Probe 12-II) will get you through the occasional III/III+ just fine, but also be easier to paddle on flat-ish water. The XL-13 and Probe 13 (12) will probably be easier to find used for a good price.
Hope this helps!
Shep
Mohawk
I was thinking about the xl13. But, a conversion looks like fun for some reason.
from Martinsville, VA
sent PM