Brave New Boats
Industry Leaders Introduce a New Wave of Kayaks
Check your Chinese Calendar because 2008 must be the “Year of the New Boat.” It seems as if every major kayak manufacturer is coming out with new whitewater specific designs, making us wonder if the tides have shifted in the kayak industry. For the last several years, boat companies have been pouring their money and energy into recreation boat designs, often forsaking their whitewater lineage. Does the flood of new whitewater designs mean big manufacturers are finally getting back to their roots as whitewater boat companies? Not exactly.
“There are some great new whitewater designs this year, but the money is still in recreation boats,” says Sara Bell, owner of Green River Adventures in Saluda, N.C. “All of these companies are passionate about whitewater, but when you go to the bank and ask for money, they want to see boats that move. And flatwater boats move.”
According to Bell, when you’re talking about whitewater boat designs, less is more.
“Years ago, a lot of companies flooded the market with too many whitewater boats. The quality suffered and there were simply too many boats to choose from. Eventually, the used boat market killed the retail side of things. So the companies began reigning it in a bit.”
What this means for you, the kayak consumer, is that boat companies have become more careful about the designs they bring to the market. Proven boats that kayakers love stay in production longer and new boats go through rigorous testing and market planning before they hit the stores. BRO sifted through the new 2008 boat designs and found three new kayaks that are worth your attention.
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KAYAKS
PYRANHA EVEREST: EXPEDITION BOAT
Pyranha has done well with the Burn, which is undoubtedly the most popular creek boat on the market. Hang out at an eddy on the Green, and you’ll see a river full of Burns. Building on the Burn’s reputation, Pyranha is introducing the Everest, the company’s first ever “expedition” kayak. What’s an expedition kayak? Picture the Burn on steroids. The Everest is a creek boat based on the Burn’s design, only slightly bigger with a longer waterline and added volume in key areas, so paddlers can stow gear for multi-day trips. But the Everest isn’t a tug-boat. The same predictable handling creekers love about the Burn can be found in the Everest, even when it’s fully loaded with gear. Bigger boaters are even looking to the Everest as their day to day creek boat, given its larger size. $1,159.
LIQUIDLOGIC REMIX: BEGINNER BOAT
Liquidlogic’s new Remix was designed to do one thing: get people stoked about boating. The Remix is intended for the instructional market with designs that make it a superb choice for beginner kayakers. The longer hull platform with modern chine placement and the extra width on the ends make this boat very stable and responsive. It stays afloat during drops, is easy to roll, and is generally reassuring to new paddlers.
“Right away, a beginner will understand exactly what it is that paddlers love about the sport,” Bell says.
This doesn’t mean experienced kayakers will find the Remix boring. While the Remix has all the stability a beginner needs, it’s also a responsive and quick package that carves like a sharpened blade and surfs like Kelly Slater, bridging the gap for weekend warriors who like to tackle a variety of river conditions. $1,049.
JACKSON HERO: RIVER RUNNER
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FLATWATER PADDLING
Some whitewater boaters knock it, but flatwater paddling gear should be in every adventurous person’s arsenal. Picture this: It’s Friday afternoon, you load your flatwater boat up with a tent, some steaks, and a cooler of beer. By 4 p.m., you’re in the middle of a relaxing paddle to the furthest reaches of your favorite mountain lake. Now tell us, what’s wrong with that scenario? Here’s the gear you need to make it happen.
PELICAN STRAIT 140 XE
The Cadillac of flatwater touring kayaks, the Strait is designed for longer adventures with 140 liters of watertight storage space. The XE also has a drop down skeg for tracking. The total package is lightweight, fast, and responsive. $1,050.
MION FLOOD GATE
Imagine all the benefits from Mion’s Current sandal (no-dry time, no afterstink), but a more user friendly and comfortable strapping system. As a bonus, the Floodgate is made from 15% recycled rubber outsole, 29 percent recycled EVA footbed, and 50% PET recycled straps. It’s a huge step toward a completely recycled sandal. $100.
WATERSHED ANIMAS
The Animas is a little big to wear while you’re paddling (3,300 cubic inches), but it easily fits inside your flatwater boat’s storage space, and the bag truly shines once you hit land. The Animas is comfortable enough to take on longer treks in wet conditions and the patented Zip Dry technology makes it airtight and idiot proof. Store your most expensive camera inside the Animas, it’s not getting wet. $115.
A quick dry shirt that keeps the elements at bay without causing heat stroke. There’s mesh all over, making this one of the most breathable paddling shirts you can find. $79
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MORE GEAR & ACCESSORIES
PATAGONIA RIO FRIO
Sure, the Rio Frio could help save your life like other PFDs, but it also helps to save Mother Earth. Patagonia stuffs this PFD with PVC-free Gaia Foam, a lighter weight foam alternative that has less environmental impact than traditional PVC based foams. $120.
TEVA ARENAL
A lower volume shoe perfect for boats without a lot of foot room, the new Arenal features quick dry uppers, full toe protection, and super grippy “Spider Rubber” soles. $75.
MITCHELL REMEDY
After the success of their racing paddle, the Premiere, Mitchell is targeting creek boaters and demanding river runners with the new Remedy. With a bent wood shaft and foam core blades wrapped in carbon fiber, the Remedy comes in at a super-light 29 ounces, but still offers the durability and strength that creek boaters need to get down the river. $450 (bent shaft).
FNA GUIDE
A hand crafted helmet made from 80 percent Kevlar fiber. And really, why wouldn’t you want to protect your head with Kevlar? $150.
LEVEL SIX EL CAPITAN
Solid shorts to be sure, but we love them because they come in camouflage. $49.99.
HELMET HERO
Leaps and bounds above the original GoPro cameras, the waterproof Helmet Hero can record up to 56 minutes of TV quality video (with a 2gig SD card). It attaches to any helmet and quick releases to attach to your wrist or paddle. The coolest feature? Set the camera to “Photo Every 5 Seconds” mode, and you can shoot hands free pictures every five seconds for up to two hours. $169.