Hi, im looking for a boat to train in on flat water, on my local river. I'm not sure whether a relatively stable racing K1 would be too specialised for this? should I be looking at more of an allrounder? The pyranha speeder maybe?

Thanks in advance

Alex

Do you want it for racing or touring?

Look at the Perception Rhythm. It is made for fitness paddling, so it should work great. www.perceptionkayaks.com/rhythm

Thanks, it looks a great boat, but I cant find a mention of it anywhere in the UK! I want something to train in, not race, I just wasn't sure whether a touring boat was suitable, thats why I mentioned racing kayaks.

Alex

here's Perception's dealer list. www.perception.co.uk/dealer-list.php . Also, you might want to look at a Wilderness Systems Tsunami 120.

What are you training to do?

Short playboats dont travel as fast so you will have to paddle harder and more, this will build better strength and endurance

Thanks for the replies, ive had trouble finding a perception rhythm after checking all UK dealers. I dont really want touring boat as i dont do any touring, just whitewater and I need ease of transport. So I'm going to check with some of the local clubs to see if I can get hold of an old K1.
thanks once again for the suggestions

alex

You might even want to look at the LiquidLogic Remix series, either the 59 or the XP9. Also, the Pyranha Master TG could be good. the Perception WaveHopper is another option.

Wavehopper would be a great option,
but if you are looking at some old whitewater boats, then you might be interested to know that the Rainbow factory just dusted off an old mold and has spun a few boats with the new DragoRossi plastic (they are calling it the "Reaction")
I have one waiting to be picked up here in the states.

www.donkeyflip.com/dfportal/News/tabid/5...tryID/7/Default.aspx

Another option would be to get hold of an old polokayak. It is not as fast as a K1 but a lot easier to paddle and closer to a whitewater/slalom boat (regarding feel etc.).

BTW: I bought myself a brand new K1 this year to take part in some marathons ad I love it.
If you do buy a K1, make sure you get yourself a wing paddle as well. These paddles not only help you go faster, they also provide extra support keeping you upright. I only got one a few days ago but I noticed the differences the very first time I paddled it.

Look for an old Kirton Ranger, it is a very stable boat although a bit outdated. But they are cheap and pretty comfy.

At my local river (flat water) there is a speed restriction for motor boats of 6 km/h. Although most boats go a bit faster it is fun to be able to pass them in a kayak . So if you like speed, go for the K1. It's fun.


Another option would be something along the lines of the Stipyaks/Eagle Kajett. It's a Dutch design but a very fast touring boat. The hull is quite similar to a Masters/marathon K1, with a fixed skeg instead of a rudder. The deck is a bit prone to wind from the sides but these boats paddle like a dream. I'm not sure you can get hold of any of these boats in the UK. Unfortunately I can't find a direct link but if you visit www.arendbloem.nl/, select "Toerkajaks vlakwater - polyester", in the Eagle/Sunshine section is the Kajett. Click on "foto" to see the image. I used one of these once in the ICF Grachtentocht (Amsterdam Canals by night) on a 20 km tour at night and a 30 km tour the very next day. The Kajett is also fairly lightweight and can easily be carried by one person.


just my 2 cents,

Michiel

Thanks, I will have a good look at the wavehopper along with some old K1's. Michiel, thanks for the info on the Stipyaks/Eagle Kajett, they seem good, but I don't think it is a feasible option for me.

Alex

Hi Alex,

Just to clearify: I know it's not a feasible option for someone outside of Holland, perhaps Belgium or Germany (the Stipyaks kayaks were made in Eindhoven, so relatively close to Germany and Belgium) but were more meant as an example of the type of boats you could also paddle. BTW: I found one recently for a very decent price. It needs some minor fixing but nothing a bit of polyester resin and glass can't do.

However, in the UK I would definitely look for a Ranger. These boats are nice, cheap, stable and fun to paddle.

Good luck with finding a good training boat,

Michiel