Hi guys I have been doing some reading and the only thing I think is definite is that what you use is going to depend on where you live what skill you have and what you want to do.
I live in easter VA I am planning on going on trips all over VA, west Virginia NC and anywhere else in that general area. I go to St.Louis alot but I have never seen any rapids up there I might be wrong if so please let me know I can always put the boat on the roof when I go on leave.
My skill is beginner I do have an old town otter but I bought that just to paddle around in our pond its not more than 20 feet across and only goes about 10 blocks or so. I know this boat is not going to do any kind of whitewater so I guess I am starting from scratch.
I am interested in getting into ww I am kinda confused by what you guys mean play boats I think you are talking about doing tricks in the rapids (flips and other stuff) I wouldn't mind learning that eventually but its going to be a couple of years before I am ready for that. I know there is spots that are up to class 4 within 1.5 hours from my house. I am looking for a ww boat maybe something that will go thru the swamp and blackwater down here too but I have the otter for that. I am also looking into a Hobie adventure island for the bay and ocean kayaking. so I just need some tips on a boat oh I am 200 lbs and 5\"9' tall the otter does get a bit cramped on long trips.
well thanks for looking and if you respond thanks for the help

As far as whitewater goes. I would look at getting something used. Dagger RPM, Pyranha Acro, or a creeker (creeking boat) these are of higher volume and are more stable than playboats... Playboats are low volume bow and stern with the majority of volume around the cockpit, they are short and designed to do tricks...

If you plan to get into whitewater, TAKE A CLASS and dont go out on your own... look around on the net and then post back once you have an idea of what you are looking for. I would be more than happy to help you on your way...

Good luck

NEVER:naughty: paddle alone on any whitewater. Dont ever think you can conqeur things on your own. I recommend a creekboat used to start off. You will have high volume and more stability. A playboat has edges that are way more tippy than creekboats to allow tricks. Definitly recommend reading books, watching videos, and taking some class to gain the proper knowledge before heading out. Good Luck and Welcome to the whitewater paddling community!

I don't paddle alone. I have been looking at the fluid spice and I still have not decided on a river runner, creeker or playboat. I may buy a creeker and a playboat. well any help would still be appreciated my purchase date has been pushed back a bit but I am still going to get a boat soon.

being that you are new to the sport I would spend money wisely... Buy a used kayak. either a river runner or creeker. These type of boats are more stable and will help you through the learning curve. The playboats are less stable and can get caught up in holes etc... something longer with higher volume will suit you better until your skill level is higher.

Personally I love my playboat. Not to say that I am some freestyle guru because (if you look at my previous posts) I am far from it. I like playboats as you can use all of the river but I am not willing to paddle it down more complicated whitewater... hense I am now looking for a creeker.

If it were me. I would start with a creeker, then a playboat.