Member of the Month

PartyBullshiit
March, 2024

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

Kayakers of NS. GTFIH

profile picture
MotherFuckaJones
Posts: 681 - Karma: 14
So i've wanted to start kayaking since I was 14, recently turned 20 and i'm finally going to make it happen this year. Finally have the right resources/money this year to make it happen. I'm looking at getting a playboat, and I found a Wave sport transformer T4 on craigslist. Anyone have any experience with this boat? Pros and cons to it? Also what other gear (pics/links would be awesome) should I get? Spray skirt and paddle are obvious ones, but if anyone could lead me to some good ones that would be great.

Mar 13 2012 3:43PM
0 0
profile picture
MrChevyCelebrity
Posts: 509 - Karma: 406
Dude, do not get a transformer. worst boat ever.
Mar 13 2012 4:17PM
0 0
profile picture
The_Big_Tuna
Posts: 799 - Karma: 75
Click for larger image
Mar 13 2012 4:29PM
0 0
profile picture
MotherFuckaJones
Posts: 681 - Karma: 14
Shiiiit, I had a feeling someone might say this. You wouldn't even recommend it anybody just starting out? Other cheap options I have are a Perception Supersonic,  but that's more of a creek boat, and a choice between a 2009 or 2010 jackson super star.
Mar 13 2012 4:30PM
0 0
profile picture
Benji.
Posts: 1146 - Karma: 88
A PFD is helpful in most cases of kayaking...
Mar 13 2012 4:31PM
0 0
profile picture
MotherFuckaJones
Posts: 681 - Karma: 14
Oh and a liquid logic Cross River CR 125
Mar 13 2012 4:33PM
0 0
profile picture
Trojan~Man
Posts: 1996 - Karma: 1,357
hmm id like to see some of these questions answered as well.
Mar 13 2012 4:33PM
0 0
profile picture
MotherFuckaJones
Posts: 681 - Karma: 14
That's also an obvious one, just forgot to list it in the OP.
Mar 13 2012 4:34PM
0 0
profile picture
Benji.
Posts: 1146 - Karma: 88
A helmet is also an important consideration.
Mar 13 2012 4:36PM
0 0
profile picture
Mag
Posts: 8155 - Karma: 14,809
not gonna lie, on first glance i thought that rock was a whale.
Mar 13 2012 4:38PM
0 0
profile picture
MotherFuckaJones
Posts: 681 - Karma: 14
I'm seeing some pretty good reviews on the liquid logic boat.
Mar 13 2012 4:40PM
0 0
profile picture
MrChevyCelebrity
Posts: 509 - Karma: 406
I wouldn't recommend a transformer to my worst enemy. Get the Superstar, assuming you are an appropriate size for it. I would say 170+

You also need to think about what kind of kayaking you want to be doing. Do you want to be a playboater? A river runner?

I would think a playboat would be a good option because of the new whitewater park in boise.

Also learn a bombproof roll. The most important thing by a mile if you want to become a decent kayaker at all.

Don't get a transformer.
Mar 13 2012 4:47PM
0 0
profile picture
Benji.
Posts: 1146 - Karma: 88
Being serious:

Get a creek boat.
and buy a play boat later.



Mar 13 2012 4:49PM
0 0
profile picture
db21
Posts: 597 - Karma: 61
to be honest i dont know a ton about boats and ive only been paddling for about 2 years but the wavesport x looks so sick
Mar 13 2012 4:52PM
0 0
profile picture
MrChevyCelebrity
Posts: 509 - Karma: 406
By which I'm sure you mean a Project X.

IMHO get a playboat. They are more fun and versatile

You could get a Jackson Fun or something similar that's kind of a mix between a river runner and a playboat.

You gonna take your creekboat to surf at the whitewater park in Boise? Take it up to Kelly's in Cascade to surf? No. Get a playboat.
Mar 13 2012 4:57PM
0 0
profile picture
MotherFuckaJones
Posts: 681 - Karma: 14
Finally some decent help! Right now i'm at about 5'11" and 183. I'm first looking at the CR 125, but if I can't get ahold of it i'll go with the superstar. I'm looking to run the main fork of the payette from time to time, but a majority of my time will mostly be spent in the new whitewater park hence why I want a playboat. Reading reviews about both boats, they are both capable of river running moderate sized rapids. I've been down the main fork plenty of times in a raft and there's nothing too large on it.
Mar 13 2012 5:00PM
0 0
profile picture
Ribss.
Posts: 3442 - Karma: 3,344
You should mention that your trying to get into white-water kayaking. The gear for that is quite different. You should have a rescue line, a sharp knife, a whistle, a helmet, PFD (obviously), a nose plug if you wish, some guys wear eye protection because low hanging branches poke the shit out of you, and a wetsuit or some cold water gear.
Mar 13 2012 5:02PM
0 0
profile picture
MotherFuckaJones
Posts: 681 - Karma: 14
Yea I was planning on getting most of that stuff, I was just wondering if someone could point me in some directions of some nice/cheap brands.
Mar 13 2012 5:04PM
0 0
profile picture
Benji.
Posts: 1146 - Karma: 88
Don't get a mix.

If playpark stuff is all you are doing then yeah get a playboat... but don't expect to have fun on any river trip. unless of course you just plan to float..

Really, try and scrounge up some cash and buy both haha thats what I would do.
Kinda like a 2 ski quiver. You've got your park skis and you've got your pow skis.


Mar 13 2012 5:05PM
0 0
profile picture
Dr.Gonzo
Posts: 2552 - Karma: 87
im pretty sure it is a whale.
Mar 13 2012 5:06PM
0 0
profile picture
MrChevyCelebrity
Posts: 509 - Karma: 406
I live in Idaho and I'm down on the Payettes a lot in the Spring and Summer.

Go to Idaho River Sports in Boise and sit in some boats to get a feel for them. The last time I was there they had a huge back room full of used boats. They don't sell them normally but if you're nice they may let you go back there and check them out. I paddle a Jackson All-Star (one size smaller than the Super-Star) and I love it.'

Be prepared to spend some money on stuff to get into kayaking. But you can learn a lot next summer with a kayak, paddle, sprayskirt, helmet, lifejacket on the Main Payette.

Also, go hang out in Banks this Spring. Tons of boaters, and you never know. Someone may have a sick boat or some used gear they're selling.
Mar 13 2012 5:06PM
0 0
profile picture
Benji.
Posts: 1146 - Karma: 88
If you are buying all that shit. you definitely have enough money to buy two boats. let be real here
Mar 13 2012 5:06PM
0 0
profile picture
MotherFuckaJones
Posts: 681 - Karma: 14
Sadly that's just not going to happen anytime soon. Poor college student here so I have to take what I can get. The section of river I would be floating on really isn't that big. Mostly class III with one class IV i think depending on water flow.
Mar 13 2012 5:08PM
0 0
profile picture
Ribss.
Posts: 3442 - Karma: 3,344
That I cannot do, I used to go all the time with my pops and he just kind of handled the gear situation for me. I used to run the American river all the time, the Eel river, and the Rogue every once in awhile (best fucking river trip of my life. no doubt). But I have stopped recently since I went to college. Good luck though.
Mar 13 2012 5:08PM
0 0
profile picture
MotherFuckaJones
Posts: 681 - Karma: 14
Thanks man i'll have to check them out. How does the Jackson do on the payette assuming you use it there?
Mar 13 2012 5:11PM
0 0
profile picture
MrChevyCelebrity
Posts: 509 - Karma: 406
YOU DO NOT NEED 2 BOATS FOR AT LEAST A COUPLE SEASONS. DON'T LISTEN TO THIS GUY.

Creekboats are made for running big water (think NF Payette) and low-volume technical creeks with waterfalls and shit. You aren't going to be doing anything like that for AT LEAST a year or two, and most likely more.

Buy one boat.

Use the money you didn't spend on a second boat to buy: A Drytop. Pogies (don't get gloves). A Skullcap. A wetsuit. And some badass base layers.

The best kayaking in Idaho goes on in the Spring, but you can't take part unless you have some good cold weather gear.
Mar 13 2012 5:12PM
0 0
profile picture
MrChevyCelebrity
Posts: 509 - Karma: 406
you also do not need, again for at least a couple of seasons: A rescue line (throw bag), a knife, or a whistle. Noseplugs are crucial for most. You won't need eye protection either. This isn't paintball.

To clarify: a throw bag is a great piece of equipment, and every kayaker should carry one, but seeing as how you are going to be a complete novice for a while, and only running the main payette and surfing in the whitewater park, I don't see you encountering any life and death situations in which a throw bag would be absolutely essential.
Mar 13 2012 5:16PM
0 0
profile picture
MrChevyCelebrity
Posts: 509 - Karma: 406
The super star is going to be perfect for anything that you want to do.

The only negative about it is that you're going to flip more often, but, hey, that just gives you a chance to practice your roll. How much is the superstar you're looking at?
Mar 13 2012 5:18PM
0 0
profile picture
MotherFuckaJones
Posts: 681 - Karma: 14
haha thanks on the clarification, but yea I know what a throwbag is. What are those blue suit things that cascade raft and kayak has some of their people wear in the spring? I'm assuming they're cheaper than a wetsuit.
Mar 13 2012 5:18PM
0 0
profile picture
MotherFuckaJones
Posts: 681 - Karma: 14
It's a 2010 for 550, or a 2009 for 500.
Mar 13 2012 5:19PM
0 0
profile picture
MrChevyCelebrity
Posts: 509 - Karma: 406
I'm sure what the guests at Cascade wear is like a splash jacket and pants. Basically a glorified rain suit. And they probably have a wetsuit underneath.

Get a wetsuit. When you kayak, and inevitably swim you're going to need it. Plus you'll get tons of pussy in a wetsuit.
Mar 13 2012 5:20PM
0 0
profile picture
MotherFuckaJones
Posts: 681 - Karma: 14
Hmm. So i'm torn between the liquid logic cr, and the jackson. Assuming I can get my hands on one since I haven't heard from either seller yet. Seems the cr is more stable, but it also seems like you like the jackson a lot. I feel like it would be better to find out from someone who has at least ridden in one of them.
Mar 13 2012 5:24PM
0 0
profile picture
rainystatesteeze
Posts: 370 - Karma: 10
get a piranha i love minne
Mar 13 2012 5:29PM
0 0
profile picture
MrChevyCelebrity
Posts: 509 - Karma: 406
I'm looking at the LL boat right now.

To me it looks like a Jackson Fun. The difference between a super star and a boat like a CR is what they're made for. The superstar is for playboating. The CR for river/play

Both seem like good options for someone such as yourself. The CR is a good boat, but you're going to outgrow is potential as a playboat eventually and want a boat such a superstar.

Really it's down to personal preference. If I was you, I would get the Jackson.
Mar 13 2012 5:30PM
0 0
profile picture
Benji.
Posts: 1146 - Karma: 88
okayokay so don't by another boat..

(even though that would be dope and then you can rip down your river on a day trip with your buddies)

I think my biggest recommendation is to look into a nice PFD and a comfy helmet.

anyways, whatever you do don't buy a dry top. its really not that cold. and those things are outrageously priced.

good luck and get that roll down cuz swimming is definitely not the way to go.





Mar 13 2012 7:21PM
0 0
profile picture
JayMeZZy
Posts: 423 - Karma: 510
this
Mar 13 2012 7:23PM
0 0
profile picture
Scout10200
Posts: 36 - Karma: 11
Superstars are an awesome boat. The Jackson kayaks are very easy to learn to roll and are backed by AMAZING customer service. The only downside is Snap Dragon spray skirts are the only ones that really seem to work.
If you are just hitting the water,look around for pool roll sessions to get that roll before hitting the water. I would always recommend paddling(like skiing) with someone better,you can learn from them and get tips.
mountainbuzz.com is the NS of the boating world and it a good place to meet boaters in your area,get tips,and find gear.
Good Luck,prepare to become and addict
Mar 13 2012 7:27PM
0 0
profile picture
MrChevyCelebrity
Posts: 509 - Karma: 406
lol. What? You have given some bad advice so far in this thread, but this really takes the cake. A drytop is an absolutely essential piece of kayaking equipment.
When is a drytop not essential? When you have a drysuit.

Being warm is the difference between having fun or not.
Mar 13 2012 7:31PM
0 0
profile picture
kvan
Posts: 3083 - Karma: 1,209
oh shit that would suck
Mar 13 2012 8:24PM
0 0
profile picture
plaplapla
Posts: 435 - Karma: 70
is it not?
Mar 13 2012 8:30PM
0 0
profile picture
heFF
Posts: 5786 - Karma: 4,457
lol
Mar 13 2012 8:57PM
0 0
profile picture
Trojan~Man
Posts: 1996 - Karma: 1,357
thanks to the guys that gave out serious advice!
Mar 14 2012 9:16AM
0 0
profile picture
MacMahoooon
Posts: 9009 - Karma: 3,305
A river/play boat like the CR isn't a bad way to start your career. The stability and maneuverability are great when learning and allow you to work on some proper technique. Plus you can still do most of the basic moves you'll be learning in your first season or 2. After that once you have your skills you can easily sell your first boat and find something that fits your style. There is a lot of turnover in used boats so its pretty easy to keep getting something new. Same for most gear, you can get just about everything used. A beginner boater can expect to spend between $600 and $1000 to start depending on how well you can take advantage of the used market.

One thing a lot of people seem to forget about here is Fit. You want to go sit in these boats, see how they feel etc. Outfitting is customizable, but by want to find a boat that works for you. Find something that fits snug, you don't want a huge boat you'll fall out of and have no control, but at the same time you don't want something so tight your lower body goes numb as soon as you are in.

Pool sessions are a great place to start, it will get you comfortable in your boat in nice warm water, which is key because you will be out of the boat quite often. It also allows you to get in with clubs and other local boaters to help. Look for local instructors and take a basic even 1hr roll clinic with them. Get the proper technique from the start and you'll learn much quicker. And finally, everyone seems to put 100% focus on rolling, when in fact you should split your time between that and other learning skills. While its great to know how to get back over, if you practice edging, bracing and strokes, you'll have a lot more fun once you get on the river and can actually paddle a few things upright.

Good luck and enjoy!!
Mar 14 2012 9:43AM
0 0
profile picture
MotherFuckaJones
Posts: 681 - Karma: 14
Thanks that's some solid advice! I'm going to a roll clinic tonight, then I have a time set up tomorrow to check out the CR. Hopefully everything fits pretty well, but i'm not opposed to buying different outfitting.
Mar 14 2012 2:57PM
0 0
profile picture
Ribss.
Posts: 3442 - Karma: 3,344
Ok man, some people wear eye protection. And your probably right on the whistle. But he really should always have a knife and a rescue line. It wont hurt him to go get one, thats for sure. I'm sure hed rather have one than not in a time of need.
Mar 14 2012 6:11PM
0 0
profile picture
MrChevyCelebrity
Posts: 509 - Karma: 406
In 10+ years of kayaking I have never used or even worn a knife. Wear a knife when rafting or guiding, not when kayaking.

It's always good to have a throw bag if he has some extra money to spend, but in my opinion he'd be better off with some other, more essential, piece of kayaking equipment.
Mar 14 2012 8:07PM
0 0
profile picture
Benji.
Posts: 1146 - Karma: 88
Yeah. Like another boat. haha
Mar 14 2012 8:24PM
0 0
profile picture
Ribss.
Posts: 3442 - Karma: 3,344
No.
Mar 14 2012 10:55PM
0 0
profile picture
MotherFuckaJones
Posts: 681 - Karma: 14
haha that guys still going on about the extra boat? Had a roll clinic tonight. So much fun, i'm in love.
Mar 15 2012 2:27AM
0 0
profile picture
NPF
Posts: 5152 - Karma: 12,116
Click for larger image
Mar 15 2012 5:36AM
0 0
All times are Eastern (-4)