While the promo videos feature many playboat moves, that’s not really my thing. So, this is written from the viewpoint of a more average whitewater paddler.
I like speed, maneuverability, surfing and a few basic play moves. This boat fills the bill, for the most part. It will cut and run with some of the best and surfs like a demon with enough edge to carve with ease. Compared to some of the low-volume stern playful boats that have come back into vogue, the tail isn’t that grabby, probably because the underside is slightly convex. The kayak practically rolls itself. It’s a flat out fun boat to paddle.
It’s fast enough. Many comparison reviews line it up against the Braaap, Mullet, Axiom and Ripper, but I think it’s a different kind of boat and gives away too much in the way of dimensions to match up in speed. What you give up there, you make up in versatility and, thanks in part to the shape of the stern, predictability.
I’ve always been a fan of the Fun and this is kind of like that with a high volume bow to get you through the heavier stuff. Or, if you recall the Fun Runner, it’s a lot like that with more play in it. It’s a kayak you can paddle on many types of rivers and creeks and have fun doing it.
Downsides? Some might find the knee position a bit low and uncomfortable. The plastic has a somewhat dull finish and is thinner than I’d like.
For the beginner, it’s a kayak you can be comfortable with and have a lot of room to grow. For higher skilled paddlers, it’s pretty much a do-it-all, enabling you to run anything (except the highest class) and have a lot of fun along the way.
