About myself

I have been paddling for a number of years with a recent break of about 2 years. Started paddling lots again this year. Skecthy start but it came back quick. Solid Class III paddler. Learning to play more.

About the test environment

Chilliwack river on Class III and II. It is lower water levels now so lots of Boofing. Many waves to surf and plenty of eddies to squirt and stall with.

Review

I paddled this and the Rx 6.7 with a friend switching it up during the run. Although both boats are in a similiar category the feel quite different.

I found the EZG 50 to be a very stable platform for me to remember my paddling cofidence at the beginning of the season. It is a responsive (some say squirrley) surfer. I like the responsiveness of the boat. Fairly easy to get your ends down for me to learn to stall and eventually get a proper cartwheel in. My friend cartwheels it with ease.

I personally don't like the ratcheting back band. I will switch it out for a North Water back band that allows you to throw a lever to really crank the band tight once you are in the boat. (Think similar to the Dagger outfitting). I absolutely love the rest of the outfitting though. The thigh braces are the best I have ever been in and the seat is all day comfortable. I do find that my 9.5 EEE width feet are slightly cramped at the toes, which is not the case in the Rx 6.7.

Conclusion

I really love this boat. It is an easy roller with plenty of volume to run rivers but enough of a playful profile to be really fun. Not an arial boat but can do most stuff up to that. With a minor outfitting change I wouldn't really have any complaints about the fit of the boat.