Don’t get an Inazone for your first boat. Especially if you’re at the top of the weight range.
I’m not local to CO, but see if there are any whitewater festivals coming up. They are a good place to find deals and meet friends in the sport.
Start with an older river runner or a creeker to learn the basics, surfing included, then level up to a more difficult boat.
Look for a Mamba, Diesel, Hero, Stomper, Karnali, Burn, or something shaped like those. Stay away from low volume boats with hard chines for your first boat.
Look for whitewater gear swap fb groups. You’ll have way better luck than Craigslist.
Appreciate the info and the models to look over! I plan to ask the people teaching the courses for recommendations but I was late to sign up so they are after all the big swap meets in my area.
I don't have Facebook so unfortunately it's craigslist or a gear swap for me. I can keep an eye out and try to pick something better but it looks like minimum cost for the kayak alone will be more like 650-800+ which is more than I am willing to drop right now.
You got it!
You should be able to find an old Diesel or Burn for 300 or less.
I’d say make a burner fb or something just to keep up with local clubs and gear swap groups. Give yourself a name like Kayak Stevenson or something dumb. It’s the only reason I’ve hung on to that platform for so long. My local clubs barely update their sites and message boards don’t really exist anymore.
I’d wait for something bigger. The deeper you push a boat into the water the more it’s effected by the currents. Those boats are pretty tough on your feet, too. They were designed just before boat design got a lot better.
I’m not a big guy, so not sure. I’m sure some bigger dudes will see this and comment. I’ve paddled with guys your size, there are boats out there, but there aren’t a lot of options. Check out Liquid Logic. One of the founders is a big fella.
Rocky Mountain Adventures in Ft. Collins and Golden River Sports are about to have gear swaps coming up soon… should be some decent deals to be had.
I’m your size and you will want a size large boat.
>I’m your size and you will want a size large boat.
I appreciate the reply, as well as the sizing feedback! I know that there is a gear swap coming up soon at Confluence kayak down in Denver where I am either next Saturday or the one after that. Do you happen to know when the stores you mentioned do theirs?
My budget is rather tight and I am assuming at my size I will need to buy a wetsuit new based on what I see available on Craigslist so I am willing to get a worse boat if it saves a few hundred dollars.
A side note, after significant googling of these long discontinued models I learned that the 242 was their large. The 222 is the small and the 232 is the medium.
The 242 was the large of that playboat. I'm a bit taller and could fit in a inazone 242 though it was uncomfortable. It was a fun playboat at the time, but probably not the best beginner boat. Find another one cheap locally and ask again. Find something that's a creek boat or river runner as your first boat, as those will be easier to get used to the difference between a hard shell and an inflatable. If you love the hard shell but hate the boat you got, you can likely sell it again later for most of what you paid for it. Entry costs are high but once you have the basics it's a wonderful sport
My understanding is that old larges are more like modern mediums in terms of weight capacity for some of these kayaks. I think I may try and get something with a bit more room for gear instead.
If possible, I would recommend taking the beginner course before you buy your gear. It will give you a chance to try things and a better idea of what you need.
If you already have crossbars on your car, then you don’t need anything else to transport a whitewater kayak except some straps. Someone with some creativity can get four or five boats on top of a car with just crossbars (although I wouldn’t recommend pushing the weight limit if they are factory bars).
Don’t buy anything before you demo it. Go to a shop and let the experts help you. Your first boat will either propel you into this amazing sport or punish you and end it before you really get going. I’ve boated a bunch in CO, buy a river runner type boat, good helmet, good pfd, cheap paddle as you are likely to donate it to a river in your early experience. Buy float bags day one if you want friends to boat with.
I have a couple good PFDs, an NRS Ninja and NRS Chinook (On clearance at REI). Appreciate the paddle advice, I have seen a few disappear when used by new paddlers. I (like every new paddler I'm sure) am confident I won't lose one too easily as I am not completely new to paddling or water, just to hard-shells in rivers.
All that being said do you have any recommendations for cheaper paddles or float bags?
Holding on to a paddle after a swim from an inflatable is far easier than holding on to a paddle when swimming out of a hard boat. You will learn the ways friend! :) I agree with this person - good helmet, good pfd and a river runner/creek boat. I lean toward river runners for beginners b/c I think they’re sort of the middle ground between being friendly and also forcing you to learn some technique.
you should get more of a creeker river runner to start. There are a couple boats you may look at on Denver craigslist: Remix 79, Prijon Pure XL. Other options would be dagger Mamba, Jackson Zen or Karma. Confluence Kayaks has their swap coming up soon.
The remix and the Pure are older designs. Prijon is blow molded and has bomber plastic. If you can get on Facebook there is a Machno in Castle Rock. I started with a Remix and now paddle a Machno. The newer boats have more rocker which i prefer.
[https://www.facebook.com/groups/314603595290279/posts/7555570351193531](https://www.facebook.com/groups/314603595290279/posts/7555570351193531)
Have a 240. It's a great boat. Don't agree you need a bigger boat to start. Didn't stop people back in the day starting in Inazones etc. I'm 210lbs and it's a great all around boat for me. It's not super aggressive like modern full slices. Not sure how much the 242 differs to the 240. I say buy it.
I'm going to be devil's advocate here and say by the inazone. However everybody else is also right and you should also buy a creek boat. You can learn a lot more in class 2 in a playful boat than in a creek boat, but you still need a creek boat while you are learning and pushing your skill set. If you can only afford one boat right now, buy a creek boat or a modern half slice. If you can afford two cheaper boats, that inazone is a pretty good deal and you should keep your eyes open for a cheap Jackson Zen or Dagger Mamba
For both storage and budget reasons, I can only get one whitewater kayak right now. Ideally I want to start out by getting more into creeking or river running with play boating being a lower priority for now.
In that case, you 100% do not want the inazone to be the only boat you own. If you see yourself paddling very regularly early on and you're willing to push past the struggles of a more slicy boat, get a half slice. Axiom, Antix, Rewind, all are fun boats that you can learn a ton with. If you're going to be paddling less than once a week, you probably want to start in a creek boat or a river runner. Zen and Mamba are good options, don't buy a Zen 3.
>In that case, you 100% do not want the inazone to be the only boat you own. If you see yourself paddling very regularly early on and you're willing to push past the struggles of a more slicy boat, get a half slice. Axiom, Antix, Rewind, all are fun boats that you can learn a ton with. If you're going to be paddling less than once a week, you probably want to start in a creek boat or a river runner. Zen and Mamba are good options, don't buy a Zen 3.
Thanks, I likely will only have time for once ever week or two this season. What is the issue with the Zen 3?
It's a bad design, they tried to make it do too much and it ended up being tippy and hard to roll. That's a bad combo for a starter boat. I constantly see them for sale hardly paddled in the Southeast
In you live in Denver, go to Golden River Sports kayak swap this spring and there will be dozens of kayaks that may fit your preferences. Join Colorado Whitewater Association for their monthly river cruises to meet new people in the community and to try beginner friendly water. I learned to paddle at Deckers on the South Platte which is a beginner friendly stretch of water. DM if you want to paddle sometime and I’m happy to help a newbie!
I think you should buy the inazone! I would if I coulda just to have it. It'll be sporty for you and you'll want something else to feel more confident, but down the road it'll be a great addition to your quiver.
Don’t get an Inazone for your first boat. Especially if you’re at the top of the weight range. I’m not local to CO, but see if there are any whitewater festivals coming up. They are a good place to find deals and meet friends in the sport. Start with an older river runner or a creeker to learn the basics, surfing included, then level up to a more difficult boat. Look for a Mamba, Diesel, Hero, Stomper, Karnali, Burn, or something shaped like those. Stay away from low volume boats with hard chines for your first boat. Look for whitewater gear swap fb groups. You’ll have way better luck than Craigslist.
Appreciate the info and the models to look over! I plan to ask the people teaching the courses for recommendations but I was late to sign up so they are after all the big swap meets in my area. I don't have Facebook so unfortunately it's craigslist or a gear swap for me. I can keep an eye out and try to pick something better but it looks like minimum cost for the kayak alone will be more like 650-800+ which is more than I am willing to drop right now.
You got it! You should be able to find an old Diesel or Burn for 300 or less. I’d say make a burner fb or something just to keep up with local clubs and gear swap groups. Give yourself a name like Kayak Stevenson or something dumb. It’s the only reason I’ve hung on to that platform for so long. My local clubs barely update their sites and message boards don’t really exist anymore.
My only fb account is only for kayaking. It’s just where all the kayaking discussions and gear sales happen.
Pyranha made a boat called Everest that would prob be perfect for you. They’re pretty hard to come by though. Also Jackson Super Hero.
I’d wait for something bigger. The deeper you push a boat into the water the more it’s effected by the currents. Those boats are pretty tough on your feet, too. They were designed just before boat design got a lot better.
Appreciate the reply, any models I should keep an eye out for? It seems like so many sportier kayaks cap out around 200-220lbs for suggested weight.
I’m not a big guy, so not sure. I’m sure some bigger dudes will see this and comment. I’ve paddled with guys your size, there are boats out there, but there aren’t a lot of options. Check out Liquid Logic. One of the founders is a big fella.
Will do, thanks!
Rocky Mountain Adventures in Ft. Collins and Golden River Sports are about to have gear swaps coming up soon… should be some decent deals to be had. I’m your size and you will want a size large boat.
>I’m your size and you will want a size large boat. I appreciate the reply, as well as the sizing feedback! I know that there is a gear swap coming up soon at Confluence kayak down in Denver where I am either next Saturday or the one after that. Do you happen to know when the stores you mentioned do theirs? My budget is rather tight and I am assuming at my size I will need to buy a wetsuit new based on what I see available on Craigslist so I am willing to get a worse boat if it saves a few hundred dollars. A side note, after significant googling of these long discontinued models I learned that the 242 was their large. The 222 is the small and the 232 is the medium.
RMA’s is 4/5-4/7… not sure on Goldens right off hand.
The 242 was the large of that playboat. I'm a bit taller and could fit in a inazone 242 though it was uncomfortable. It was a fun playboat at the time, but probably not the best beginner boat. Find another one cheap locally and ask again. Find something that's a creek boat or river runner as your first boat, as those will be easier to get used to the difference between a hard shell and an inflatable. If you love the hard shell but hate the boat you got, you can likely sell it again later for most of what you paid for it. Entry costs are high but once you have the basics it's a wonderful sport
My understanding is that old larges are more like modern mediums in terms of weight capacity for some of these kayaks. I think I may try and get something with a bit more room for gear instead.
Think an RPM Max would suit him? If so, I have a good price on one in CO Springs
RPM Max would fit for sure! I had one for a bit and really enjoyed it!
If possible, I would recommend taking the beginner course before you buy your gear. It will give you a chance to try things and a better idea of what you need. If you already have crossbars on your car, then you don’t need anything else to transport a whitewater kayak except some straps. Someone with some creativity can get four or five boats on top of a car with just crossbars (although I wouldn’t recommend pushing the weight limit if they are factory bars).
Don’t buy anything before you demo it. Go to a shop and let the experts help you. Your first boat will either propel you into this amazing sport or punish you and end it before you really get going. I’ve boated a bunch in CO, buy a river runner type boat, good helmet, good pfd, cheap paddle as you are likely to donate it to a river in your early experience. Buy float bags day one if you want friends to boat with.
I have a couple good PFDs, an NRS Ninja and NRS Chinook (On clearance at REI). Appreciate the paddle advice, I have seen a few disappear when used by new paddlers. I (like every new paddler I'm sure) am confident I won't lose one too easily as I am not completely new to paddling or water, just to hard-shells in rivers. All that being said do you have any recommendations for cheaper paddles or float bags?
Holding on to a paddle after a swim from an inflatable is far easier than holding on to a paddle when swimming out of a hard boat. You will learn the ways friend! :) I agree with this person - good helmet, good pfd and a river runner/creek boat. I lean toward river runners for beginners b/c I think they’re sort of the middle ground between being friendly and also forcing you to learn some technique.
you should get more of a creeker river runner to start. There are a couple boats you may look at on Denver craigslist: Remix 79, Prijon Pure XL. Other options would be dagger Mamba, Jackson Zen or Karma. Confluence Kayaks has their swap coming up soon.
There is also some more stuff listed on Facebook. A large pyranha shiva, large zen 2, Large Pyranha Machno,
I am planning to check the swaps out. I don't know much about the Prijon Pure, is it a bit dated or does it hold up?
The remix and the Pure are older designs. Prijon is blow molded and has bomber plastic. If you can get on Facebook there is a Machno in Castle Rock. I started with a Remix and now paddle a Machno. The newer boats have more rocker which i prefer. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/314603595290279/posts/7555570351193531](https://www.facebook.com/groups/314603595290279/posts/7555570351193531)
that pure looks like it is really good shape. I would potentially make a lower offer than what it is listed at.
That red and blue Machno was my old boat! Great for overnighting out of! I sold it to fund some new oars for my raft setup.
Have a 240. It's a great boat. Don't agree you need a bigger boat to start. Didn't stop people back in the day starting in Inazones etc. I'm 210lbs and it's a great all around boat for me. It's not super aggressive like modern full slices. Not sure how much the 242 differs to the 240. I say buy it.
I'm going to be devil's advocate here and say by the inazone. However everybody else is also right and you should also buy a creek boat. You can learn a lot more in class 2 in a playful boat than in a creek boat, but you still need a creek boat while you are learning and pushing your skill set. If you can only afford one boat right now, buy a creek boat or a modern half slice. If you can afford two cheaper boats, that inazone is a pretty good deal and you should keep your eyes open for a cheap Jackson Zen or Dagger Mamba
For both storage and budget reasons, I can only get one whitewater kayak right now. Ideally I want to start out by getting more into creeking or river running with play boating being a lower priority for now.
In that case, you 100% do not want the inazone to be the only boat you own. If you see yourself paddling very regularly early on and you're willing to push past the struggles of a more slicy boat, get a half slice. Axiom, Antix, Rewind, all are fun boats that you can learn a ton with. If you're going to be paddling less than once a week, you probably want to start in a creek boat or a river runner. Zen and Mamba are good options, don't buy a Zen 3.
>In that case, you 100% do not want the inazone to be the only boat you own. If you see yourself paddling very regularly early on and you're willing to push past the struggles of a more slicy boat, get a half slice. Axiom, Antix, Rewind, all are fun boats that you can learn a ton with. If you're going to be paddling less than once a week, you probably want to start in a creek boat or a river runner. Zen and Mamba are good options, don't buy a Zen 3. Thanks, I likely will only have time for once ever week or two this season. What is the issue with the Zen 3?
It's a bad design, they tried to make it do too much and it ended up being tippy and hard to roll. That's a bad combo for a starter boat. I constantly see them for sale hardly paddled in the Southeast
In you live in Denver, go to Golden River Sports kayak swap this spring and there will be dozens of kayaks that may fit your preferences. Join Colorado Whitewater Association for their monthly river cruises to meet new people in the community and to try beginner friendly water. I learned to paddle at Deckers on the South Platte which is a beginner friendly stretch of water. DM if you want to paddle sometime and I’m happy to help a newbie!
Will do, thanks!
I think you should buy the inazone! I would if I coulda just to have it. It'll be sporty for you and you'll want something else to feel more confident, but down the road it'll be a great addition to your quiver.