About the reviewer

I've just returned to kayaking after a long time out of the sport. I.e. Can't do helix's or any of the new moves that people are naming that to me just look like going upside down and rolling in style.

Before I quit the sport I had been sponsored by; Wave Sport, Dagger, Pyranha, Mad Yaker then Lendal...to name a few.

Test environment

North Esk

Review

Before having bought this boat second hand the owner told me his reason for selling it was becasue it was just too big to get any rodeo moves.

Then I asked another experienced paddler of a similar size and build what he thought; and he said it was just too big to do anything in it...

So when I got on the river and the lads asked me to do something with it I set my head to thinking "this is gonna need some oomph"....it didn't.

The first thing that will impress anyone around 6'4ft with size 12's is the comfort factor! This boat has ample room and I actually need to put some foam in if I'm to learn the new moves or run G5 in it. The seat is comfy and the boat is well shaped around the knee. The privious owner has removed the thigh grips but it seems to be fine without.

So the first deep bit of water I got it on. I cranked up and chucked the nose down....before I knew it the nose was down a second time then a third. Cartwheels are possible in this boat with out a paddle just using the edges and a lot of abs. it will flat water loop with ease and I have no doubt it will rock on a good wave....but there are no good waves on the North Esk.

For river running...it obviously sucks....or does it; it ferry glides fast, it turns fast, it resurfaces fast enough and it boofs very easily. I'd happily take it down the Morriston or the Orchy without portaging anything but in reality that's as far as I'd trust it.

I better say something negative about it.....I don't think wavesport have the best fittings on the market....but unlike those who say they do at least they dont break every five minutes.....

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you want a boat to learn most of the modern moves that is fast, comfy, short and predictable then you won't go wrong with this.

If you can't do the moves then it's you and not this boat...it really does rock...if I broke it I'd buy another one!