Winter Paddling Essentials
Winter is quickly approaching, your paddling season does not have to end. Having the proper equipment can make an otherwise miserable day, quite comfortable and enjoyable. Here is a list of my essentials for paddling...
Pyranha Firecracker 242 - The Ultimate Quiver Killer?
A couple weeks ago I found myself on a local river in my favorite full slice, and all I could think, was “I wish I had brought my firecracker instead”. Fast forward another week, and I made the same mistake with a different boat, on a different river; and when I took off found myself, again, thinking “I should have just brought my firecracker.” As someone who has always paddled a slew of boats like different outfits, this was a surprising and profound experience.
That evening, as I put the boat away with its dozen or so siblings, I thought to myself - “Is the Firecracker the ultimate quiver killer?”
The short answer: Probably not, as I feel very limited on the upper end of difficulty I would take it down at my intermediate skill level and the low volume stern starts to show trim changes with something as small as a wet throw rope or light pin kit behind the seat.
What the Firecracker is, though, is the ultimate quiver REDUCER. It takes all the playful, squirtable, fun to surf energy that you get from the best slice boats, combines it with the short, snappy, super loose feeling hull from your favorite play boat and puts it in a comfortable and capable boat that is not only a blast to paddle on any water, but gives you the confidence that you could be helpful in a swim situation or still hit that impromptu creek run thats in on your way home.
What about beginners - Is it the ultimate beginner boat? Quite possibly.
As a beginner boat, the firecracker is easy to roll, easy to transition from edge to edge and will keep a new paddler engaged through their early stages while giving them the ability to grow into the skills required to truly harness the fun potential of the boat. For someone who is athletic, willing to learn how to roll, and isn't super phased by a little mild beatering the Firecracker may be the best beginner boat ever made - however it is not for the timid, or hesitant “back seat” style paddler.
After my experiences the last few weeks, I will be confidently selling boats from my fleet until I am down to the Firecracker 242 and a creek boat for the days I am not comfortable taking the Firecracker (we all know its going to be the yet-to-be-released Pyranha Reactr).
Some thoughts from the boat room. See you on the river!
Chris Luman
