About the reviewer

Been canoeing since I was 11, now 43. Had a break of approx 11 years from canoeing for a number of reasons. Got son in to paddling at Penrith Whitewater Stadium so decided to get back into it, after a year of using Stadium boats tried the Mamba and was hooked.

Test environment

Penrith Whitewater Stadium (Grade Three) and on the practice lake. Both paddling for myself and instructing parents groups

Review

I absolutely love this boat. Got the larger version 8.5 as my weight fluctuates and wanted the opportunity to carry camping gear on overnight expeds. The boat turns on a sixpence and responds so well to even the lightest of strokes. Edging is a dream, so control is so easy.

It is quite a high volume boat so doesn't suit every one, but being a big lad with not the highest level of fitness it responds well to my attempt at whitewater paddling. It's goes through whitewater so well and requires the minimal amount of effort get through the big waves. Rolling this baby is so easy, even for the weakest of paddlers it responds so well.

In a straight line this boat is so good, again not much effort required and I have done some long journeys in a great deal of comfort. It comes with all sorts of padding to make sure you can outfit it well to fit your shape, the standard Dagger footrest is great.

I use this boat for instructiong. its large size allows pupils to see all demonstrated strokes adequately and it is great fro rescuing due to its great stability.

Conclusion

I would recommend this boat to the larger paddlers who want to have a great time on whitewater and flat without too much effort. Its comfortable and controlling thios baby is so easy.

About myself

I have always been an avid fisherman who thought kayakers were nuts. Then last summer my wife bought me a mad river canoe in hopes of calming my middle age crissis. Wrong. I skipped the rec kayaks completely, took a demo in a creeker on the middle yough which was way too squirlly for this beginner. Did some homework and bought a mamba 8.5

About the test environment

Started with roll classes at the Y and tried lower Shavers Fork. Then upper Laurel Creek and lower Dry Fork. Class 1&2+'s used to learn eddy turns and what not.

Review

Being as I only had canoe exp on water including Class 3, I can not compair this boat to other kayaks. But I can tell you this; It is easy to roll, feels very solid on turbulent lines and in eddy turns. It is a very comfortable fit with tons of room.

Conclusion

I am now riding down the streams mentioned with lots of volume to include Middle Laurel, Three Forks, most of the Tygart through Arden, Buckhannon, Buffalo and more in a great boat. I would highly reccomend this boat to beginners and have to friends who now own Mamba's. Two more conclusions; Us kayakers are nuts, and my wife (who has no interest in whitewater) should have bought me a harley.
Happy Kakin !