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Hero 2008

 
5.0 (2)
17639   0   2   0   0  
 
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Hero 2008 - boats_1194-1
Hero 2008 - boats_1194-2

Short Facts

Brand
Jackson Kayak

325 Iris Dr.
Sparta
TN 38583
USA

Phone: +1 931-657-3530



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Model Year
Intended Paddling Environment
Designer
David Knight, EJ, Clay Wright et al.
Type
Construction & Material

Stats

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Jackson Kayak creates the ultimate RIVER RUNNER!!!

We needed a straight up river running kayak that paddles like a Jackson, rolls like a Jackson, and is comfortable like a Jackson.

We started with the new Fun hull and built the boat up from there. This boat is the perfect companion for the paddler wanting a predictable, stable, carving, easy to paddle river runner that won’t hit a plateau before you do. Whether looking to creek the local run, or overnight the canyon, this full volume, planing hull, nimble, quick, safe kayak is your ticket. This will be a top selling kayak in 2008 and beyond, and sets a new standard in just how fun and versatile a river runner can be.

Some specifics:
The Hull: Cross-linked plastic for durability and shape retention (no oilcanning). Planing hull for great initial stability, surfing, and a predictable ride that the Fun and Star paddler can jump into and feel right at home. The same performance characteristics found in the Fun hull is all standard with the ideal drop chines that are effective but out of the way for creeking, and thruster chines for extra speed and directional control for front surfing (yes you can spin it too!). For those creeking this boat, look for effortless boofs that come from a properly positioned rocker break. David Knight is a genius, and his genious shows through on this hull!

The Side Walls: the side walls bring true Jackson Kayak rolling ability to play here with the addition of a rigidity bar for those wanting to seriously creek it (Team JK’s Jesse Coombs is already asking when he can “stomp the big ones” in it!) The flair in this sidewall is just right to give the beginner roller that extra confidence, while adding a secondary stability level that keeps you right side up and paddling. The angle is also set to make side surfing a hole (on purpose or not) easy, smooth, and non-grabby. There is nothing to catch while running slides for those who will be creeking this boat.

The Deck: Ample footroom is the first thing you’ll notice. Put your BIG booties/river shoes on and you’ll be comfortable, and safe. That foot-room also provides you with the volume to keep you on the surface for safety and confidence. The stern has the volume needed to keep you looking downstream after drops instead of back into the hole! You’ll love how the Super Hero busts through holes and stays on the surface and upright like Superman busting through a wall with a smile on his face! The smooth, well designed deck keeps your knuckles and elbows free and clear of impact on even the biggest drops.

The Outfitting: Boat Armor and Uni-Shock bulkhead on the adult models. Four swimmer and portaging friendly grab handles/attachment points, and a stainless steel security bar for safety in the most challenging situations. Side Kick outfitting is specially designed to keep weight to a minimum to assure easy carrying for kids.

User reviews

2 reviews

Overall rating 
 
5.0
Design 
 
5.0  (2)
Perfomance 
 
5.0  (2)
Quality 
 
5.0  (2)
Value / Money 
 
5.0  (2)
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(Updated: January 02, 2009)
Overall rating 
 
5.0
Design 
 
5.0
Perfomance 
 
5.0
Quality 
 
5.0
Value / Money 
 
5.0

My new love!

About the reviewer

I love expedition kayaking of all flavors. Some days I am a drift boater, other days I drive.

Test environment

Nearly every major V+ multi-day in California. Creeks with 200cfs and 700fpm to the Indus in Pakistan, 15,000cfs of big water moves.

Review

Nimble: The Hero is easy to move around the river. Because it rides high in the water and has planing hull with just enough edge, it’s easy to use the edges and a few strokes to move around the river. It has just the right combination of edge, water line length and rocker to make it a quick turning boat that is easy to hold a line in.

Resurfacing: The Hero is the champion of resurfacing. It quickly resurfaces upright and headed downstream with momentum. This is perfect for stacked up drops with must make landings, or recovering from a missed boof.

Outfitting: Like all Jackson Kayaks, the outfitting is comfortable, adjustable and performance oriented right out of the box. I didn’t even have to move my seat in the Hero, just hop in and paddle away.

Planing Hull: I love the planing hull of the Hero. Besides the obvious advantage of using the edge to facilitate cross current moves, the planing hull is a great advantage while resurfacing in big water. With the planing hull you can edge the boat to either side and control what direction the boat resurfaces in, allowing the user move around the river while resurfacing.

Hole punching ability. Despite its short length, I’ve found the Hero to be a hole punching machine. It’s easy to control and drive in a straight line, and loves to ride over the top of everything. Combine these two together and it will punch anything from massive river holes to creekey ledges.

Storage, overnights. While it doesn’t have as much space as the Rocker, the Hero still has plenty of room for all my overnight gear, and on the water I didn’t even notice I was paddling a loaded boat!

Conclusion

In true honestly, I've never loved or raved about any other boat like I do the Hero. This boat is just awesome for expedition kayaking of any type. As a bonus, it's light to hike with and great to fly with due to its shot length.

Review

Affiliated
Yes
About Me
Location: USA, California
Age: 27
Weight: 68 kgs
Was this review helpful to you? 
(Updated: December 12, 2008)
Overall rating 
 
5.0
Design 
 
5.0
Perfomance 
 
5.0
Quality 
 
5.0
Value / Money 
 
5.0

Sweet playful creeker / uber-forgiving river runner

About the reviewer

freestyle 90% these days but creeking is my roots and still a passion. Team Jackson Kayak, upper end for creeking this boat.

Test environment

Green, Raven's, Suck, Hendy, Bear, OB, plus high water CaneyFork, Gauley, Barrel Springs 15g - lots of days

Review

Take a Fun, exaggerate the primary and secondary stability, add a Creek-boat deck: voila - super- forgiving river-runner that plays too.
Strenghts: hard to flip over - uncanny stability. Uber-maneuverable and Spins on a dime due to short length and planing hull. Sporty edges and confidence inspiring performance. Fits in the back of the truck w/ topper closed. Dry ride, shock absorbing bulkhead. JK comfort. Drain-plug just in case.

Weaknesses: Tall cockpit area - short torso folks may try Sweet Cheeks 200 for a lift. Knee "Fit'' is most secure when seat forwards, yet I like the sportier feel of the seat further back for splats, spins, and surfing.

Conclusion

This sporty little boat is ready to take your FUN skills to the next class of whitewater yet keep you well entertained on the runs you like now.

Review

Affiliated
Yes
About Me
Location: walling TN
Age: 42
Weight: 77.1 kgs
Was this review helpful to you? 

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