Big Boat for a Big Guy - Canoexpo

A visit to the Canoexpo to find a boat, upgrading from my touring Blackwater to something big enough to fit into yet small enough to have a bit of fun in.

Thanks to all who rose up to the challenge - I'm nearly 6'11" height, 18 stone and size 13 feet, it wasn't going to be easy!

Aaron of Squarerock and Woody from Liquidlogic were the most enthusiastic and I was amazed to find my self sitting reasonably comfortably in the Jackson Kayak Super Fun and the Liquidlogic Jefe Grande, also the Remix 79. Tried Dagger Approach 10.0, an Eskimo Cerro and the Pyranha Everest. I would recommend any of these kayaks for your larger than average paddler. Eventually I tried the WaveSport Habitat 80, after the crew from WWC managed to free the footrest from behind the pillar. After twisting my legs in, I thought I'd look a bit silly sitting on the rear of the kayak - no go!

Shaun Bakers Jet Kayak was a definite no no - I don't think he would have sold it to me anyway!

All the boats needed to have the footplate/bags removed, and some the hip pads, to allow someone of my size to sit in. Therefore they will all require foam blocks up front to make a footrest and lined with foam sheets to cushion the ankles.

After spending all day 'researching' I ended up buying the Pyranha Everest. The most expensive, but it was worth the extra to get a boat that I felt good in.
However, there was only one Everest at the show and they needed it for the next days exhibit. In a way it wasn't too bad, as I'd left my roof bars back at the accommodation, but I had also arranged to go to The National Water Sport Centre and canoe slalom course the following day - I went anyway and took some photos..

The day after that, I collected my new kayak from the Pyranha factory in Cheshire. Then doggy in tow, we stopped off at the beach near Prestatyn for some exercise, before continuing on to Holyhead to catch the ferry home.
A worthwhile trip - I wish I could tell you to watch for videos from my new kayak, but I reckon I'll be having too much fun to get the camera out!

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Water
• Sport
• Kayak
• Canoexpo
• Brookbank
• Pyranha
• Everest
• Dagger
• Blackwater
• GT
• Max
• Liquidlogic
• River
• Trent
• squarerock
• Jackso

[johnkeys51]

What is the yellow boat you are paddling in the weir at 1:35? That does not look like the Everest. Any updates on your choices?

[lemonmeringuepie]

It ain't me, I visited HPP the following day, but without my kayak (click on 'more' on the description)

[lemonmeringuepie]

For whitewater, I'd also recommend the Hercules or the Cerro, whichever tickles your fancy..

[khairiaz]

hey dude, what is the price for the Everest

[lemonmeringuepie]

It was 820 GBP at the time, but I'm sure its come down in price by now, best to shop around anyway.

[garyxxt]

well hows a going so did u get a knew boat. did u fit in the everest...

[lemonmeringuepie]

Yep, took the Everest home and will be trying out in the pool soon. Surprisingly, I could fit in quite a few kayaks, but they all needed some form of adjustment, the Everest came with a whole set of foam pieces and accessories to make the necessary adjustments, so that made things a little easier & worked out best for me.

[dutchcoastalkajakker]

the kajaks from current design are the for bigger people,i have the same problem as you...cant find a boot in Holland, have tried them all. So i go to Germany to fit a CD kajak,but i dont think yo looking for a seakajak more ww boat...

[bobabc1234567890]

@johnkeys51 It looks a bit like the 07-09 Jackson Star.

[garyxxt]

cool well am glad u can fit into a creek boat never tot u would....an my dad was plaining on getin that boat haha...hope u go far......and hope to see u soon in it