About the reviewer

I've been kayaking for 2 years now, mostly class 2 stuff. I'm definitely still on the learning curve ;) but I feel quite comfortable (though not complacent) in a fammiliar enviroment (don't have too many ww rivers in my neck of the woods).

This is my first boat (my own! my precious!) and I've had it since April. Before buying it I paddled boats from my club (Bystrze). These were mostly of older types (Prijon Hurricane, Eskimo Kendo, Speedo, Xeno, Necky Jive and Gliss). Paddled on class 1-2+ on rivers and slalom courses.

Review

When I bought it this was the shortest boat I had ever paddled ;) and the most modern in design. I kept sinking my stern (just a question of my stance, easily fixed) and I found it very difficult to roll with the planing hull. This difficulty was compiled by the enormous ammount of volume (238l) which is concentrated in the cockpit area. It took me the entire season to get to grips with rolling this kayak and I still won't call my roll bomb-proof. I have had virtually no problems with rolling in other boats, and the people who borrowed my boat confirm it takes some getting used to (although I take 70% of the blame for my rolls on myself). This being said, this kayak is difficult to get upside-down :) It is uber-stable and has huge sides on which it is easy to find balance. It is very manouverable for its length and tight eddy entries can be made with ease. I find everything easy in this kayak (compared with the ones I've paddled) except rolling ;) I can even pull of some flat moves in a hole and surfing is a pleasure (even with my meagre skills). It is too long for playing though and the line of the boat will probably make me uneasy paddling above class 3 (to easy for the stern to be caught). I have the basic version, no fancy outfitting, but it's very comfortable after slight padding. I love having my knees so high, it makes other boats feel like pancakes (subject to personal taste).

Conclusion

It's a very pleasant river runner and I'm not selling it :) although I am buying a playboat (Robson claims the Roadster can be cartwheeled with ease :/ ... I'll put this to the test someday when I learn to cartwheel in a dedicated playboat). From my limited experience I've found it a good entry level kayak - presenting me with problems that forced me to improve my technique, while offering a very safe learning environment.