Use to paddle a lot 10 years ago now trying to get back into it. What boat would be the best boat to get back in the water with? I was a solid class 3 boater. Unfortunately im a few hours away from anywhere I can demo and at 5’11 200lbs I feel like im in between on most of the boats.

Like the title said I could use a hand. My first whitewater canoe is awesome, I love it, but … it doesn’t suit my paddling so I’ll be listing it for sale this spring.

Here’s where I’m stuck, there are so few of these on the market that I can’t find other listings to reference. I have no idea what to list it for.

It’s an esquif Taureau, great condition. So, any ideas on what to list it for or where to get some ideas on pricing? Don’t want to give it away (any cash will be going to a new boat) but also don’t want to list too high.

started paddling last summer at the national whitewater center in charlotte, nc. Bought a L antix and have loved it so far. I’m currently just paddling 3 and 3+ but will definitely be stepping up into some 4s come spring as i got really comfortable on 3s in just one summer. I’ve only paddled at the center and done a few laps on the nanty. I got pretty good at catching eddies, had a decent roll, could brace pretty well, and got a pretty decent boof on smaller features. I started working on surfing at the end of the summer but didn’t get too far. Could stay in some small waves but had trouble with anything bigger. I do want to start runnjng some bigger stuff and also improve my play skills. My antix can handle any bigger stuff i will be throwing at it for a bit but was wondering if i should look at getting a playboat too to try out. should i stick with just the antix and use that to improve in all aspects or get an older playboat? I am tall and lanky at 6’3 and only 165lbs. Any advice on new boats, progression, and improving skills is welcome and appreciated.

Guiding on the Salmon this summer and I have never been so excited. To be honest, I do not have a lot of whitewater experience, however the company I am going with includes full training. They also provide housing which is nice. Just looking for any tips on anything from the rafting itself to gear to basic everyday quality of life stuff or anything else you can think of.

I have job offers from the NOC and rolling thunder for this season and am hoping to raft the ocoee but open to whatever really. I am having a hard time deciding because the NOC seems like they can send you wherever you want and has a mandatory meal plan but I wanted to see if anyone has worked or knows much about either of these and pros and cons.

Hey y’all! I’m an industrial sewist and I need some ideas!

I’ve made a couple of bags this winter and I’m wondering if anyone has a dream bag they would like to see in the raft/kayak/sup world!

If you have a link or want to see something similar to the classic dish pail/drying setup, rig bag, strap bag, k pump bag, etc. but with some tweaks or added features, send away!

Nothing is too big or small, I don’t have access to making dry bags but anything mesh or cordura is more up my alley. Thanks!

Hi

I'm new to paddling, but im not an absolute beginner and feel comfortable paddling ww3.

Now I want to try some new boats and wanted to ask for advice to help me choose a boat for a 5 day trip.

Im 130 lbs, 6ft tall. My goal first and foremost is to advance my technique.

I have the opportunity to rent one of the following:

Dagger axiom

Dagger rewind s

Dagger GT

Pyranha ripper s

Spade bliss

Spade barracuda 2.0

Lettmann machete 65

Drago Rossi kush

Have any of you fine whitewater folks (specifically kayakers) gotten LASIK? I’m sposed to have it done next month. There’s a Grand Canyon trip going out 29 days after the procedure. I’m looking at kayaking the Grand Canyon and probably getting tackled in the face/ water boarded by water. Is 29 days long enough time for my eyes to heal or do I need to hold off on having the procedure done?

So I had a recent near miss kayaking and wound up going through a fallen tree!

On a recent trip with friends we were on a tight UK grade 3 river run at high water after good rain. This is a run I've been on several times before, is well within my abilities and a fun run for our group.

After about 10 mins on the river we came across a river wide tree that had fallen and was partially submerged but passable on river left (squeeze under) and river right (boof over a more submerged part). Forgetting everything I'd been taught and thinking it was do-able, I took a run up and boofed over the top of the middle of the tree.... Only I didn't! My tail was caught by the flow (I paddle a Ripper) and before I know it I'm unpside down and out of my boat passing under the tree getting beaten up by branches!!

I resurfaced on the other side, shouted something snarky and self deprecating in my usual fashion to my friends and it was all over before I knew it was happening. Got myself and my boat out of the water, and only while I was draining it, did the magnitude of the situation dawn on me! I took the opportunity to remind my friends of just how serious this could have been and we finished the paddle without further incident.

My own idiocy and forgetting the dangers of fallen trees on rivers led me to glance a side eye at the reaper (didn't last long enough to stare them in the eye!) and leave me shaken and still processing it.

Stay safe on the water folks and don't forget where you are and that river dangers are present on runs that you know well.

TL:DR: fucked around with a fallen tree and found out! Swam through said fallen tree that could've drowned me. This was on a run I know well enough to be comfortable. Learn from my mistake and remember to avoid fallen trees like the fucking plague and stay safe out there!

Is there any Type of Bag for a kayak I can put in my kayak due to regulations from the Airline I can’t wrap up my kayak in plastic and I need something like a sports bag for it.

Will a Watershed Animas (40L dry backpack) fit in a Zen 2?

Looking to pick up my first WW kayak paddle and I'm at a bit of an impasse.

For some background, I've been kayaking day-tourers for a few years (on lakes and Class 1+ rivers) and am getting into whitewater this year. Got most of my gear sorted but having some analysis paralysis on the paddle. For my big boats, I use a Werner Kalliste paddle with zero offset as I don't use a single control hand, I alternate control hands between strokes. It's natural to me and that's what I'm used to. I'm 5'11" and would be looking at something around 197cm as per the usual guides.

So I've narrowed it down to a couple of options:

• Get a entry-level fiberglass-bladed paddle with the standard 30-degree offset, and learn to use a single control hand. I can get one that's similar to a Powerhouse for about $270 CAD. Cheap enough I won't feel too badly if something happens to it. My worry about this option is that if I get used to the single control hand/30deg it may mess with my muscle memory when paddling my bigger kayaks.
• Step (way) up to an AquaBound Aerial Major 2-pc, which would allow me to figure out what offset (if any) works best for me as its offset is adjustable. It can fine-tune length a bit as well (194-199cm) so pretty versatile. It's almost triple the price ($700CAD) but I don't mind paying more $ for good gear if it's worth it and will last me.

Usage would be beginner to intermediate (Class 2-3) for the near future, just river running. I don't plan to try anything too tough until I'm nice and comfortable but at the same time my fear about buying the $$$ paddle is having to replace it if I somehow lose the damn thing. I don't know how common that is for greenhorns in easier water.

Would appreciate any input!

I figure this is probably a long shot, but has anyone ever done a two day trip down the Little River in Sparta, NC? I ask because although the New River is the more reasonable multi day trip in that area, I really want to do the Little River. I'm having a hard time tracking down anyone that owns land to give permission to camp since I'm not local to the area. I'm wanting to start in Sparta at Hwy 21 and take out at Baywood Ramp on the New River. Is it smart to just go for it and find a camp spot somewhere far away from signs of civilization or does anyone have a better idea? I've scoped out landownership maps and it is private property the whole way.

Been with my company for 10 years this summer so in celebration, I am taking a month off within the next year. One of the things I want to do is a a multi day kayak course. I'm East coast based, comfortable on Class 3, and dabbled in easier class 4's - if you're in New England, think mostly comfortable on the Dryway. Roll is on both sides.

Does anyone have recommendations for kayak camps? I'm looking for an outfitter to guide me down rivers in a scenic environment, provide some instruction, but mostly just people to run class 3 rivers with. Open to any time of year but would prefer warm weather. Can be international but would prefer this hemisphere. Was thinking Costa Rica but haven't found an outfitter that would be the right fit. Cost is not really a factor within reason.

I’d love to hear some opinions!

We are looking for a 3-4 night guided trip in Idaho for late June. We've done a trip down Hell's Canyon and loved it, but we'd like to run through some of Idaho's more forested areas. Any recommendations?

Is kissing rocks just park of the progression of class 2 to class 3 boaters? I got my face cheeks bang up a bit. Is a Face helmet worth if its the top/point of my cheek bones. 😂

Edit; my helmet also hit most of the rocks it just happened to be a rocky part of the section as the river in my area are running a bit shallow.

I’m headed to Wyoming in June with a raft and a kayak. Looking for family friendly floating and easy-ish whitewater.

I’ll be around medicine bow and the flaming gorge area. We have the green river planned but wondering if anyone has info on the north platte around medicine bow. AW says it’s 26 miles. Looking to see if there are shorter sections and any other recs if yall have it.

Looking to move to bc and wondering where the community is strongest for paddling?

Length of season counts for something too