Hi,

I have some winter pool sessions coming up and I want to learn to double pump and cartwheel.

I’ve never been a big fan of buying new kayaks. The couple I own (liquid logic CR250 and a sea kayak) are both over 5 years old.

I’m looking at 2006 Jackson Allstar and old Liquid logic biscuits.

Does anyone have any experience with older models of play boats, if so which would you recommend? I cannot find many reviews online.

Thanks

The JK aalstar and LL bisciuts are good "old" playboats. If you want more options look for a Dagger Kingpin, value for money for sure. Also the Wavesport Project is a very good option, There will be some on the market now or soon, because of the new WS projectX

Dave, how tall & heavy are you?

Thanks for the advice. I am 6 ft 2, 200lb with size 13 feet. i figure the larger play boats I would fit.

The large boats will be harder to throw around initially, but with good technique it's fully possible. You'll get results quicker with a smaller boat but you might not do your technique any favours, so be aware of this.

Large Fluid Flirt, large Fluid Nemesis if you can find of those for cheap. Wavesports ZG54 could work, however I think you'll be a bit big. Wavesport Project 60 would work, although a reasonably new boat still. EZG 60 will work but again quite new. Wavesports Big EZ will be good. It cartwheels nicely, although not a short playboat so you will be able to loop it but won't get the same pop as the stubbier boats. Wavesport X but maybe try it first. It's not that easy to throw around. The Dagger Kingpins, Crazy88, G-Force (not sure which sizes) would also work well.

I'm sure there are plenty of other older playboats that'll work. Someone else will be able to offer some more possibilites.

I spent my money on a new river runner, so still paddle a Wavesport Score for fun. Might be more difficult to get vertical, but the old boats will build your technique. Old longer boats when paddled with style sre more photogenic than new shorter boats - if you want posing shots get something with some length!

I have size 12 feet, 6ft and 190lbs and paddle an 07 all star. My legs get a little sore after a while in the kayak. I'm pretty sure the reason is that my feet are a bit large so it slightly twists my legs and ends up making my upper legs quite stiff/sore/cramping. So having even larger feet, I'd recommend having a good paddle of one (30+ mins minimum in the boat) to see how you go before you buy one. But everyone's body is different so you could have no dramas. The boat itself is great, and I would recommend it!