My son currently paddles a Pyranha Inazone 212 and although he is doing well with with it (ran his first water falls a couple weeks ago in it - Valley Falls) he is starting to show interest in something new. I have a Jib (sisters) he has paddled and he likes that and shows interest in a ShootingStar. Still doesn't have the desire to hop in a hole and pay his dues however (that will come wth time).
His weight is fine for the Pyranha but he's having issues with leg room in it now.
SO the question is - do I get him a river runner (staying with the inazone series - just a size larger) get a more specific play boat?
At 12 he doesn't know what he truely wants and I'm trying to keep his interest with something to develop skills. I'm thinking runner with play but others are saying play.
We paddle mostly II+ - III... but...

Thoughts? Paul C.

PS: He will be getting a C1 racer shortly so that will be pushing him too.

OK this is just me because I think paying your dues with the school of hard knocks is the best way to learn. I would say Get him a Fun1 or somthing like that and \"Accedently\" send him into a hole Make sure it can flush super easy. Once he learns how to deal with a hole. He will become a more comfortable boater. I was super afraid of a hole on this river to the point where I would paddle like 10 feet away from it at all times. One time I wasnt paying attention well enough and I fell into the hole. After getting tossed around for like 3 seconds I got flushed. Now I have no problem hopping in that hole for playing. I would say a good riverrunning playboat would be a Fun1. That way he could work on playmoves and riverrunning.



PS. Pyranha

How tall and heavy is your son at the moment? I'm sure he would still grow a fair amount in the next few years

Yep that is part of the issue - how much wil he grow and when! Right now he is 95# and 5'2\".
He liked the shooting star but you can see is super comfortable in the pyranha. I like a slicey boat so I'm leaning toward a used larger inzone. But I have paddled boats like the funs and enjoyed them too.
So which would be the better buy in the long run for him to grow in?

I'm 5ft 7 75kgs and can fit into a 212, I think the fuse is pretty cool for the youngsters as are the jackson funs maybe try the 2 fun as the 1.5 is way smaller than your Pyranha Inazone.

Happy paddling

pac wrote:

Yep that is part of the issue - how much wil he grow and when! Right now he is 95# and 5'2\".
He liked the shooting star but you can see is super comfortable in the pyranha. I like a slicey boat so I'm leaning toward a used larger inzone. But I have paddled boats like the funs and enjoyed them too.
So which would be the better buy in the long run for him to grow in?

Although I like slicey boats I found out that (being a tall person myself, at 6'4\"with 36\" inseam) the more modern playboats with more volume are way more comfy than the older slicey boats (although I really do like the looks of the older slicey ones better).

If your son likes the Inazones as well, get a used one and start saving for next years' boat becuase if he's growing like I was when I was a kid you'll be happy if he still fits the new boat next year

Cheers,

Michiel

PS Great that you take your kids out boating! I hope I can do that too in a 8 - 10 years when mine are old enough.

Urge – based on your size is there any modifications you made to the 212 so you can still fit? I have the seat all the way back and his one foot is going to sleep on him in the pyranha. Did you do anything with the back band / feet placement? Thanks! We paddled yesterday and did fine but still is shy about going into easy holes but loves little drops (go figure).

Michielv – Thanks and remember you can start them young. I took mine out on flat water when they were in their 2s and 3s - short duration, keeping them warm, watered and feed. Just make sure to get them a good PDF that brings their face up. We spent time in the pool floating prior to which really helped. C2’ed with them at age 6 on I and II at age 8. just make it safe and stop for ice cream afterwards. J


Paul C.