In winter of 2018-2019 at 72 years old I developed a hernia which required me in Spring 2019 to replace my 60 pound 16' Evergreen Prospector with 15', 38 pound Swift Prospector Kevlar Fusion. My only disappointment is I didn't buy the 16 footer, thinking my Tripping days were finished. The first time I fit the Swift onto my shoulders felt like slipping on a good glove; the yoke, weight and balance are perfect, and I thought "this was money well spent!" After a few day paddles fishing I realized I could still Trip, and regretted not buying the 16' 40 pounder. Of course I can still Trip, and have even considered a three month solo as I did two of them at 58 and 60 years old.
