About myself

I've been paddling whitewater in the South Island of New Zealand for about 7 years. I an 183cm tall, weigh 70kg and have size 8.5 feet. I am comfortable in grade 3 water but generally don't do much playing other than surfing.

About the test environment

I have trialed the Blitz in the surf, on the Ashley River (grade 3), Hurunui River (grade 3) and the Rangitata River (grade 2).

Review

I first paddled the Blitz Special (a lower volume version of the Blitz) in the surf at a Paddlerzone demo day and liked it. As my skills increase and I wanted a little more challenge and so picked up a cheap Blitz. It surfs very well, pushes through waves very well and is good and responsive and isn't too slow.

The nose and tail is nice and slicey. It rolls reasonably easily, though I did have a couple of swims on the grade 2 section of the Rangitata when I first tried it out (early season experimental run).

The Blitz has become my boat of choice unless I need to carry more gear or I feel intimidated.

The boat is reasonably comfortable but my feet get a bit crammed up (my right leg regularly looses all feeling in it) especially if you stand the kayak on its nose. As I usually paddle Prijon boats, have the chunk of foam between my legs takes some getting used too.

Conclusion

Great little river running play boat, excellent in the surf and handles nicely on the river. As an older play boat, real bargains should be available second hand.