Kayak Purchase

Im looking to purchase my first whitewater kayak. Im a beginner. I've been researching lots of different kayaks and was hoping to get input from you.... What a good, beginner friendly, whitewater kayak?

Shameless plug here. I'm selling a Jackson Rocker, a creekboat. The rounded chines and rounded decks make it much more beginner friendly than a play oriented boat. It's also very easy to roll. While it works very well for a beginner, this boat will work all the way through expert level for steep runs where play is not an option.

How big are you? (inseam, weight, and foot size) The most important thing about a beginners boat is that it has to fit.

You looked allright in that Diesel you were in on Sunday. If you liked how that feels, I've heard the Pyrahna Burn it just like it, but better. The Dagger Mamba, feels similar.(in the pool at least) Personally, I'm kind of on the fence about my Diesel, but I like how the Liquid Logic Remix feels, and rolls. I think a lot of people like those, but they are full displacement(round bottom) so there would be little to no on-the-fly surf/play action. I've seen a bunch of folks start in hybrid river-runner/play boats like a Wavesport Fuse, Liquid Logic Ronin, Jackson Fun; enables you to get more out of each river trip and take advatage of the park-and-play spots around here.

I will add another shameless plug. I have a 2009 Jackson Fun for sale. It is really comfortable, super easy to roll, and a really stable platform to learn on. It is designed to be a river running/play boat and has only been paddled 1.5 seasons. It comes with the happy feet and happy seat and I can throw in a float bag as well.

It would be best to know your weight, height, inseam, and foot size as Larry said. It would also help if we knew what kind of goals you have in the sport (ie playboating, creeking, big water or somewhere in between).

If the price and size is right, AJ's fun would be a solid three year do everything boat. Only thing comparable for an all around starter boat are the old Wavesport EZ series. Getting a specialized boat as a beginner does nothing but force you to buy additional boats.

I got a big ez if you want to buy it. Make me an offer!

Brian, that diesel felt good. It seemed to fit will. Im 6', 220lbs, 30" inseam and a size 11 foot. Would that rocker or ez fit me?

Big EZ might be more comfortable

I have a Jackson 4Fun that I'd like to sell. I'd part with it for $400. It's similar to the Big EZ. I also have a skirt, paddle, and PFD to unload. PM me if interested.

Nice Matt, way to take the plunge!

my first boat was a Big EZ. (Actually it was my second, the pirouette s was my first but it was 11 feet long) I'm 6'2 170, size 10.5 feet. Good boat. I now paddle a 4Fun for most rivers. The two boats paddle similarly, but the 4Fun is way more comfortable, at least for me. I think you should buy the 4Fun from VMiff above. It's an excellent river running/ play boat, and you should fit in it very comfortably. You could use it as a primary boat as you advance, then buy a creeker when you're ready, and keep both boats... then if you want to start throwing woopdedoos on play waves you could trade it for a full-on play boat. I still haven't wanted to make that trade yet... It surfs and spins fine, I can't throw any fancy moves in it... but don't think I"d be able to in a smaller boat either.
Cheers

buy a Liquid logic remix, I have two..and neither are for sale... its the best boat EVER! im 6'3 220 12 feet maybe get a 69 or 79 if you plan on going big

I would say go with a solid river runner or a solid play boat. I had a cross between the two, and it was not good for anything. There are a few schools of thought on this of coarse, but I feel that if I would have gotten a Remix from the start I would have gotten much better faster. As far as the Jackson 4 Fun being a three year boat that depends on how fast you catch on, how aggressive you are, if you take any classes, and if you have a good mentor. I am sure for some it could be a three year boat, but if you want to run class IV, and V get a full on river runner to learn with. I know a guy from North Carolina that was running the Green Narrows, and Ravens Fork within his first year. And I have met people that have ran the North Fork of the Payette in there first year. If you buy a remix, you will be able to progress fast, and learn in a boat that you can do almost anything in. Then if you decide later on that you want to get a play boat get a full on play boat. When I bought my first boat it was a cross between a river runner/ playboat. Then I had to buy a full on creeker, and a full on play boat. Then I had the task of selling my first boat, and it took forever. I am sure you could demo some of these if you ask.

my 2 cents...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqeC3BPYTmE

What the heck Johnnie ?