Page 125 - 2022-08-01 Paddling Magazine

TOP MISTAKE WHEN BUYING A CREEKER

YOU CAN DO ALL THE RESEARCH about rocker
profile, volume and hull shape. You can read the
reviews in this magazine. You can watch all the trend- EACH CREEK BOAT MODEL WILL
ing videos on YouTube. But each creek boat model PERFORM SLIGHTLY DIFFERENTLY ON
DIFFERENT TYPES OF WHITEWATER.
will perform slightly differently on different types PHOTO: DAN STEWART
of whitewater. For example: Sharp edges can be less
forgiving in rocky whitewater; aggressive rocker can
make it harder to hold a line but much easier to boof;
and a longer, bigger boat might be faster and more
stable but may feel less maneuverable in low-volume,
tight, technical whitewater.
The best way to tell what boat is right for you is
to paddle it. The biggest mistake is buying a creek
boat without paddling it. “Figure out how you can
get into a boat, ideally on the section of whitewater
you run most often,” says Canadian pro paddler Ben
Marr. He adds that it’s all about the feel of the boat
and finding something suitable and fun for you on
the whitewater you want to paddle.
Not all paddlers have a quiver of kayaks to choose
from, so whatever you purchase, make sure it’s a kayak
that makes you want to paddle more.

Find the best whitewater kayaks of the year starting
on page 127.

DAVE FUSILLI
LITTLE WHITE SALMON
KALOB GRADY

SURGE & STRIKE
For those paddlers seeking the
utmost power and dependable
catch in a high impact resistant
fiberglass layup. Tested by some
of the best expedition kayakers
in the world on some of the most
demanding rivers. The Surge &
Strike deliver confidence with
every stroke.