I'm a beginning boater and am looking for a used boat to buy. I'm wondering if anyone has some general advice for me on what boats would be good. I'm 5'8'' 150 lbs. Thanks!

What sort of paddling do you intend to do? If you're not sure yet, then you'd be better of with an all-rounder rather than a boat that's aimed at a specific discipline…

Well, I'd like to just get down some whitewater first off, but I'd like to move into surfing once I get the hang of things. I'm assuming it'd be easier to get the fundamentals down, then get a boat more tuned to surfing. What I'm looking for is specific brands/models that seem to be solid, trustworthy boats. Thanks!

kind of tought to go wrong these days with most brands.

You should be looking at some of the more creek oriented river runners. Not to say that all of them are creek boats, just that they have put the design focus on staying on top of the water and paddling predictably.

Dagger Mamba
DragoRossi Gangster
Liquic Logic Hoss

I am the DragoRossi importer so could hook you up with a Gangster for a good price.
www.100waves.com/specs/gangster.html

Maybe something along the lines of a Pyranha Inazone or Prozone that would comfortably take you down any rivers you'd likely to be paddling while starting out and would still be decent in the surf. They're good all-rounders.

The other option would be to go for a fairly high-volume playboat that would get you down some beginner-intermediate rivers and would perform well at a playspot or in the surf…

The flip side of buying an all-out creeker like a Mamba is that it's not going to surf well and you won't have any fun with it on the flat.

I must agree that the old InaZones are good boats for most people. I taught many how to kayak in those boats. (probably why I put lots of beginners now in my Pintail) If you can find one of these then go for it.

Thanks, guys-- your advice is always appreciated!

i think that pound for pound or dollor for dollor (depending on where you live) the Tek Sport Excess 240 XS from www.roho.co.uk/acatalog/Robin_Hood_WS_Tek_Sport_Kayaks_804.html is unbeatable, most people have never heard of teksport but after i bought one two years ago when i started out my club now unanimously recommend it for a beginner,however there are two different models, the basic version has noe knee braces and should be avoided, it has plenty of volume so will run rivers exellent, and will still surf, it will install much needed confidence into a beginner,

I started out with a tek and found it was an excellent begginers boat, I went on my first white water in it and found it very stable but I could still surf in it.

being that you are new and most likely going to move away from your beginner boat to something more specific I would without a doubt look at something used and probably a creeker... nice high volume, stable, and will look out for you on the water. reason behind this is that you want to gain confidence in your boating and feel yourself grow into the sport.

Now i say creeker but anything that is long and stable would be where I would start... As far as actual boats go

Pyranha mountain 300 *my 1st boat*
Pyranha Acro (aka razor)
Dagger RPM
Pyranha Burn or Ammo (if you want something newer)
WS habitat (once again newer)
Dagger g ride
Jackson fun series ( little more playful still forgiving)

some options at least...

What I would do is look around the net and seek out something used...once you see something that gets your eye just give a shout back and ask if that seems like a good boat...

Dont forget to go get some instruction as it will shoot your learning curve and help stay off some bad habits from the start...

Depending on where you are located I might know of some places to look

Good luck and keep us informed:

Thanks guys for all your help. I've been diligently checking the NRS gearswap, craigslist, boatertalk, etc for used boats. It's tough to find the right one! I'm looking into a wavesport X or maybe one of the EZ series. I've found several of Inazones, but they're all too big for me! Any other ideas on where to check for boats? I'm in Eastern WA, but am also in Portland, OR a fair amount.

www.alsmallboats.com

they have many used boats...

I would also just google

\"Used + Wavesport\" and see what you can find Although shipping can be a pain there are easier ways to do it...

I think there is an X on eBay right now


my bad. It's a Z

best way to check that stuff on ebay is to just type in \"whitewater kayak\"

I would recomend a Dagger Juice. they're great. I've run a few rivers in it took it to the sea and yes Ok it doesnt surf aswell as a specific surf boat but its was really fun

How much you looking to spend and what state are you in??????

Ok Gang here's the question:

Should I get the WaveSport EZ ($350) or the Pyranha Inazone 222 ($450)? What do you think?

(Laddie, I'm in Western ID/ Eastern WA--Salmon river, looking to spend less than half a grand)

if it was me I would choose a wavesport as I think its more of a playboat

even though I am a huge Pyranha fan (love em') I would recomend getting the EZ... little cheaper so you can spend some cash on Dry Top etc...But for straight up boats, I personally prefer the innazone, It is a nicer boat for beginners (IMO) ...Also dont forget to check local sales... should find something.

good luck and keep us posted

I'm a big Jackson fan and I test drove a 4Fun on the Ocoee Saterday it was sweet. If you can get your hands on a Jackson, try it out.