Submitted: 07-14-2003 by ALewisWV
Today was my first day in this boat and for that matter my first day in a playboat. Ive only paddled a Dagger Gradient before and had exhausted the big creeker's play potential, so I went out and got an S:6. Just for the record Im a guide here in the New River gorge and with my discount a spanking new still in wrap S:6 cost me $736 w/ tax, so hit up all your guide buddies to hook you up. Back to the boat. I havent learned to cartwheel yet, but what I have done in this boat has been very enjoyable. Surfing is great, the boat stays loose on the wave allowing a playboat beginner (class V creeking aside) like myself to pull fast 360s in what were slow 180s in my creeker. Im paddling the larger 200 model and I can sink the bow and stern easily in flatwater with just a bit of momentum at my 185 lbs. I paddled today with absolutely none of the outfitting installed in the boat and it was still very comfortable. The only problem I have with this boat is entering and exiting the cockpit, but then again Im used to the big cockpit of a creeker. I havent done a wet exit yet in it, but it seems like it would be painful because of the tight fit. Hopefully I never will. The speed on flat water was better than I expected matching my 8 1/2 ft Gradient, however in current it was noticable slower but not bad. I wouldnt recommend this as a beginner boat but anybody with any sense knows that. Verdict: GREAT BOAT |