About myself

I have been paddling off and on for the last ten years and have been playboating for about one year.

About the test environment

I took this boat on the South Fork of the American at 6500 cfs and used it at the Reno Whitewater Park at super high and high flows.

Review

When I first saw this boat, I was impressed by the overall volume distribution and it looked cute. Most boats that i have paddled feel like all the volume is in the wrong place, but not so with the Jackson. I sat in the boat on our living room floor and was impressed by the balance of the boat. It was also very, very light to carry and for me this is a plus.

My first test of the boat was at the River park with flows above 3000 cfs. At this level everything was raging and i was a little hesitant to get in, but i did and here is what i found:

Looseness- the boat is loose on a wave, something i have not felt so directly in a boat. i was able to spin like crazy, almost effortlessly. I also got a few blunts, something i have not been able to do. I also got into a back surf in hole 5 and was bounced upward about three feet before eddying out. My husband's eyes were really big when that happened.

Hole- there were really some big holes at the playpark, I managed to get two ends and then flush. But the boat was very slicey and my rotation felt really smooth and balanced.
I was also able to initiate my bow in flat water, something i have been struggling with in my other boat. So i was really excited about that!!

River- I took the boat out on a high water day and put it to use on the Coloma to Lotus run. The boat was a little slower than i was used to and i had to constantly scout a little farther ahead than normal. This combined with the high flow made for a day of non-stop paddling!! I did not get caught up in all the funny water and wasn't pushed around too much. I did go into a couple of really big holes, sidesurfed them and then blasted out. One of the holes was a whiteknuckler and i was really scared. I actually saw EJ and family that weekend on the river and after he saw me surfing in that huge nasty hole, he came over and said "Nice Surf!!"

Outfitting- The only thing I really had a problem with were the hip pads, which were the old ones and the foot bag. I think that a woman's hips are a little different than a man's, so maybe a little more flexibility could be offered as far as choices go. The foot bag was a new experience for me. My husband showed me how to work it and when I got it right it was comfortable, but I think I would prefer foam.

Conclusion

I think this is a great little boat and a super boat for women. It was easy to roll, and a great little river runner and I learned things just by paddling it for two weekends.
I did sit in a newer one and I really liked the cam lock adjustable back band and the thinner hip pads.
I got second job to be able afford one. I can't wait to get this boat on the river again!!