About myself

I have been paddling for more than 3 years now. I paddle as often as I can and paddle all types of rivers. Playboating, river running, overnight trips and creeking. I’ve had this boat for a good couple of months now.

About the test environment

In the mostly, shallow, rocky rivers of South Africa. Couple of big volume runs too. The Buffalo at a high level, the Ash at about 40 cumecs.

Review

+ awesome outfitting and super comfortable. I've got the first block of foam in and paddle with the seat all the way forward. Maybe I've got shorter legs than most. Thigh braces are the best I’ve ever come across. Back band always in place. Soft seat. Hip pads work well and everything is easily adjustable.
+ Flat spins pretty well, but not as loose as my ZG54 and actually cartwheels really well in a hole. Flat water tricks require some more muscle than most but extremely well balanced. Slices super easy. I can loop this boat on the flats with no over thruster.
+ Can do nice big blunts but needs a bigger, faster wave than like when paddling my other boat, the ZG54.
+ Carving on the ocean is easy and the boat responds nicely to edge transition.
+ The extra speed is useful for getting out fast in the ocean.
+Boofs well, not very edgy and a very good river runner. I have been really impressed with this boat.

- I’m not convinced the plastic is the best. On my first run in this boat I managed to gouge out two scratches in the bottom and it dented in too. This has proved to be permanent. Plastic seems too soft. If the boat is left in the hot sun, like 35/40 degrees C, the boat is very soft and will dent in if sat on.

Conclusion

I still love this boat and have paddled it quite a few times recently. I still do my park and play in my ZG54 and my creek boat is still a Necky Blunt. I find this boat fills the gap nicely.

I can play in holes, surf waves, do wave wheels to my hearts content and also run tougher, technical rapids in confidence. Taking some split paddles, rescue gear, some food and water is not really a problem. No issues with cramped feet. I can sit in this boat all day long and no complaints. For my weight, this boat is perfect for some river running play. Try it, you might like it.