About myself

I'm from Torino, NW Italy. I paddled many III-IV rivers in north Italy as well as in France and Slovenia.

About the test environment

During a week end I had the opportunity to paddle the Vermillion, IL USA.
Ray, the guy who invite me to the river, lent me his old boat, a Riot Hammer.

Review

I didn't know this boat before, but as soon as I saw it I knew it had been designed by Corran!

The boat is a kind of big banana, 270 cm long (!) but quite narrow.

The side walls are quite high and, well I can't explain in english, but seen from the front, the boat has a shape like this: \_/

Even if the test environment wasn't perhaps the best to test a kayak I got some impressions.

First, it is fast, probably for its length but also for the shape.

Stability is not the best, which makes the Hammer not a perfect boat for a beginner who is looking for safe paddling in class III rivers.

I started to play a little in the Wildcat rapid and, in spite of the length, I made some nice enders. This boat is really good for squirting.

Even surfing! but you have to find a wave long enough to contain the boat.

I made some eskimo rolls and I found it very easy to roll.

Conclusion

Pros:
- ok for squirting and surfing
- fast
- easy to roll
Cons:
-stability. not the best for beginners
-lenght, it is a kayak designed in a previous age of whitewater kayaking

Finally, it is quite an obsolete boat. Perhaps if you want to buy a used boat you'll find something better. Otherwise if you own one, sometimes you can use it just for fun.