Hi all

As the subject says im starting to paddle again. Taken a few years out and now im looking to get back on the water again.

I need sum advice really just the usual i suspect what boat, paddle, vest etc etc to buy.

Its amazing how much the sport has changed in 5 years. The playboats available now are nothing like what was available when i was last on the water, because of my height and weight i could just about get in my microbat and my inazone.

Where to start, well ive seen a few boats im interested in. just wanted feed back, opinions, reviews etc etc. Im 6ft 3in i weigh just over 100kg (16st) and i have size 11 feet. Ive been looking at the following.

LL - biscuit
fluid - nemisis
jackson - all star
bliss stick - 185

I really do want a playboat and iam aware that although im not the biggest bloke in the world im certainly not the smallest. Any advice would be appreciated.

Next up is paddle choice. When i bought my paddles before no one ever asked me what length i wanted i just grabbed a set that felt comfortable. now it seems you can get all kinds of different sizes again just wanted sum advice on the correct length for my height.

I used to own a lot of palm gear but there seems to be alot more kit manufacturers out there now so again suggestions please.

Thanks for reading my long list of waffle.

many thanks

matt

You will probably need to look at the Super Star or Mon-Star if you want to look at Jacksons. I am not even 5'9" and couldn't fit in the Star, so there is no way you will fit in the All-Star. The Large Nemesis should fit you fine, and if you had to, there is also the RAD 195 from Bliss-Stick if you don't fit into the 185 well. They're all good designs, and just try to see if you can demo them.

Just pick up a straight-shaft paddle and see where it's comfortable. You should have about 1 hand of room on each side between your hand and the blade/throat. I would recommend Werner for paddles, and they have a paddle for every price range.

There's lots of gear manufacturers, and in reality, any company should be fine. The only reason that I use Extrasport and Level Six gear is because the Level Six Knight is really the only adjustable shorty top that I could find, and my Extrasport semi-dry pants were only $68 USD.

I use an Extrasport Pro Creeker PFD since it is one of the few zippered USCG approved vests, but you shouldn't have a problem finding one if you want a rescue PFD. Lots of people here use the Astral Green Jacket, and the PeakUK River Guide vest looks pretty good.

If there is a big store near you, I would try on as much as possible, until you can decide what you want. Hopefully, an employee at a store can point you in the right direction.

thanks very much for the reply and advice.

You were correct i couldnt get my fat ass into the allstar (although it was pretty close!) im going to demo the biscuit and the superstar.

Thanks again

matt

The Allstar should be on sale, unless it is the 2010 model, which is just being released here. You should be able to barter with the store guys if it is a 2007 model (look at the logos on Jackson's site. The 2007 is labeled as the Classic Star now). jacksonkayak.com/kayaks/kayaks.cfm

I'd also recommend you try a Pyranha Rev, although you didn't mention it. It comes it a number of sizes, and I'm sure you'll fit in a Rev Medium Long, if not you can try the Rev Large. I'm a little smaller than you and I paddle the Rev M. It's a blast to paddle, and I recommend it ever chance I get.

Argh!!!

This is so hard to do. I think ive explored every option and then people keep recommended others. Thanks nucklez im gonna take a look. I used to own a pyranha inazone and although its no playboat it was real comfortable.

cheers

The new Connect 30 outfitting is nice, and the boat is so fun too. I did get to paddle an InaZone once. It was too small for me, and hurt my feet a bit. The owner told me not to adjust the seat or his foot pegs. I had to detach the back band and practically sit on top of it. It was a nice boat though, I was able to bow stall it too. I thought that was pretty fun to pull that off in a boat of that size.

Funny you mentioned that your feet hurt.

I paddled my 1st inazone the 222 (i think) for a year with my feet in agony, thinking that was just the way a small kayak was! Only when i went to my stand in doctor(mine was on holiday) about serious shooting pains did i learn it was to small. I turns out he was a paddler aswell. and he told me i should give the next size up ago. so i sold mine and got the nxt size up and it was heavenly.

For 2 months then i was seduced by a friends boat (forget what it was now) so i got that instead

lol

matt

i have a 2007 jackson all-star, and i love it. it is by far the most comfortable boat i have ever paddled and really easy to do stuff.

you would probably need the super-star or the mon-star.

i would highly recommend jackson boats.

I recently tried a friend's Star and it was a great boat for playing in. I am 5'8" and fit the boat just fine without footwear. I generally paddle a Jackson Fun and love the outfitting. It really does depend on body shape though. Good luck with the boat choices, there really are so many out there now.

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