Animas

A 10 because there are few boats out there for 'big boys'. With a 13 foot and 200+ lbs this is a great whitewater boat. Very maneuverable for size, thick construction, ample cockpit. Responsive, good initial stability, fun in ocean surf. NOT for smaller people.

This boat is still my favorite after years of paddling. Granted you can't play to much in it, but if you find a deep enough hole you can pull some squirts. This boat really comes into its own when running really big water. I've taken this boat through some of the biggest rapids around, specifically the Gauley River and New River gorge. I've never felt so secure on those rapids. I probably wouldn't recommend it for anyone under 6 feet, but if your tall enough, it is as nimble as anything I've ever paddled, and way faster than most whitewater boats. Its high volume also makes it a decent creek boat, and it surfs ocean waves like a dream. Also incredibly easy to roll.

I have canoed since I was 7 years old and now I am well past 50. About 5 years ago I bought my first kayak. It was a Old Town loon and I loved it and still do. However, I always wanted to experience the thrill of fast water and big waves in a yak. To make a long story short, since I am bigger than average guy, I took the advice of a river guide and tried the Animas. He said "It was an old school boat" The plastic barely had a spot on the surface that was not scratched. Anyway, it was "love at first stroke." I eventually found a new one that had been stored for about 4 years and purchased it. This yak is stable, and it is forgiving. Usually a quick brace and a sweep stroke and you are back up and on your way. I now run with extreme confidence very choppy class 2 rapids with hay stacks and re-actionary waves. This boat is stable. I have never had to roll it in rapid conditions, but I have practiced on still water and found that it will roll without a great amount of force. Just bring your head up last and it will go right back over and you are on your way. I would assume that experts my find this boat too big to "play in." I do not think a person under 5'8" could handle it without a lot of padding. Anyway, if you want a fast, stable yak to learn with and give you a great deal of paddleing satisfaction, find one, buy it, and paddle it. If you are an old dog like me, it will make you feel like a young pup again.

Good boat for starting out paddling whitewater if you are a big guy. Very stable, punches through holes/big waves very well and can handle catching micro-eddies (although it will blow through eddies if you aren't careful about its speed). The only negative I can think of is it is a VERY fast boat compared with newer boats which are sort of slow. I like the speed part as it helps in making positioning (ferrying or avoiding stuffs) moves. It is also not the best boat to surf with as it won't stick on waves like most play boats. It is a good boat to do bow-squirts with if the hole is deep enough which is sort of impressive. It is easier to roll than play boats, that's for sure. If you can't find it used buy a new one as it is a boat that you should keep (big water, new paddlers, ect.).

I have had my Animas for two years. It is comfortable, stable, and just plain fun to paddle. It is not your new style playboat, but if you are larger and run rivers it is a great boat. 6'1", 32" inseam, size 12's..

Great boat for the big and big footed. I am 6'2"/210lbs and love this boat (my second WW yak). The only thing that caught me by suprise (and continues to) is the flat back deck that get's grabbed as you cross eddy lines. Once you learn to lean forward as transitioning or when moving through areas of cross current you will be much happier (drier!). Great boat overall and I can run for hours with the family on river floats without going numb (rare for a WW boat). Great outfitting too!