Pyranah Ripper First Look

The past week in Austria, I managed to get my hand on the new Pyranha Ripper Prototype.

Over the past few years we've seen river play models popping up with the Braap and the party Braap, from Liquid Logic. The Axiom from Dagger, and more recently the Antix from Jackson Kayak and Rexy from Exo Kayaks.

It was time for Pyranha to bring their newest boat to market. Taking what they have learnt from years of #PlayTheRiver and updating it into a modern design.

The Ripper is a evolution of the 9R Series creating a super fast hull which is fun and predictable the perfect platform to build a river, play kayak.

The top deck shows good volume distribution with volume upfront to punch through waves and enough rocker to prevent the bow from pearling, the tail is lower volume but enough to be stable yet still playful.

This is the Large Ripper Prototype, I've seen the drawings for the medium and people will be please to see its keeping the same length but an altered volume distribution and rocker profile to suit the lighter paddler.

I took the Ripper out on the River Inn, in Austria. A nice cruisey run through the Imst Gorge one of the most popular Raft Runs in the region. The section is full of big waves and wave trains to surf and play. 

I had swapped over from my 9RL to the Prototype Ripper L and immediately felt at home. The Ripper had the same characteristics the feeling of security and safety upfront.

 

The fun really came when you start dropping the tail. Whether to change direction, a quick squirt will have the boat turning effortlessly.  This makes the boat super maneuverable. As you approach wavetrains you are left with so many options, you can kick the edge and pull the nose high. Pull a boof and send her charging through, or flick the hips and follow through with a kick flip. 

Personally I wondered if the boat was too safe and could be a little more playful but after picking a small eddyline, I had the boat vertical and squirting with little effort. 

As I paddled the river the more I got used to sweeping and holding the edge like a slalom boat to allow the boat to pivot effortlessly, 

For guiding I was able to carry the same equipment straight out of my 9RL a little squashed but it fitted securely. On the river the speed of the boat is perfect, being able to have fun but not be left behind. The ability to chase swimmers and boats confidently with no worries of instability and the extra maneuverability really helps.

Inside the boat comes as standard with the newest Stout 2 Thigh braces, and new super soft hip pads. This gives a lot of support and confidence to the user with no flex from the thigh braces you fell like your getting out the performance you put into the boat. Fitted with the standard Full Plate footrest with plenty of adjustment means all day comfort for paddlers of all sizes.

I always believed a river play style boat was better suited to everyday paddling over an all out creek boat, improving your skill and reactions whilst giving you the ability to have some fun on the way down.

Personally I found some of the bigger boats too easy on local runs finding much more enjoyment paddling something a little more playful, but still safe. 

I think the new Ripper will suit both Advanced paddlers looking to have some fun on the water as well as intermediate paddlers looking to hone their river skills. 

I will certainly be adding a Ripper to my quiver of boats and look forward to many adventure with her. (And Jenny)

Yak Galena PFD Review

 The Galena PFD is Yak's answer to a lightweight Freestyle / River Running PFD.

Instead of going for the super slim option, with the minimum of floatation. Yak have strived to make some of the safest most floaty jackets on the market.

With a huge maritime safety influence through Crewsaver and Survitec Yak PFD's are worked on at the same level.

The Galena is no exception with 70n+ of buoyancy, in a lightweight shaped foam.
Creating one of the lightest PFDs available.
At first glance it looks bulkier than other vests but that is really just down to the position of the foam.

The Galena sits well on the torso. The breathable mesh surround, offers comfort, and stops the PFD riding up.

The 4D cast contoured cut is a great feeling, keeping the foam away from your arms, allowing you a full range of movement whilst paddling.

The colour scheme blue or lime green is perfect. (as it matches my boat) Bright and fun. with one big central zipped pocket. Perfect for holding essentials. The fastening of straps is quick and easy with specific designed release pulls to adjust straps quickly and easily. The added strap cleats keeps any extra strap safely tucked in to reduce snagging.

The shoulder straps are sewn through into the waist belt making it great for intermediate river running also.

The PFD is donned straight over the head making it really easy and comfy.

The PFD works well in all boats freestyle, river , canoeing even on a sup the cut really gives you freedom to paddle all day.

As always it's worth trying before you buy, with three sizes available, make sure you get the best fit for you.

For Kids Yak have the Galena Junior, a super small PFD for young rippers!

I use this PFD daily, and find it extremely comfortable. Being taller I have gone for the XL size, to give myself extra length in the shoulders. The PFD works really well and looks great on the water.

The PFD is well priced against other river running and freestyle PFDS, and certainly worth trying on when your looking for a new vest!

Pros
Lightweight
Plenty of Buoyancy
Comfortable
Colourful
Sewn Through Shoulders
Easy Adjustment.

Pyranha Kayaks Machno Review

The past week I was lucky enough to get my hands on a shiny new Pyranha Kayaks Machno, the newest creek machine from Runcorn.

The boat had been dropped in Oetz to be shown off and paddled around the famous wellebrucke rapids. (Sickline) But whilst noone was looking we managed to sneak her off for a real life test. Paddling a low and rocky lower Vent. In high water one of my favourite runs, but in low water it is as beautiful as ever, but with more ressemblement to the everyday Irish/Uk rocky ditch, that we are more accustomed to paddling. So I really got to test it without the glam of the big water and big lines. I bounced the Machno around some boulders, and scrapped it over others. I even had to carry her around when the water left the river.
 So here we go a real life review #inaditch

So first impressions as I lifted the boat and ran from the sickline exhibitors area, where it had been left unattended for a few minutes. My first thoughts were of the weight and comfort whilst carrying, the step out pillar, as found on many models has lovely grooves for fingers. Perfect to hold the boat steady on your shoulder and the hip pads were soft and comfy to rest my newly fixed shoulder into... Wait a second pyranha hip pads have never been soft! After dropping the boat to the floor make sure I had borrowed the right boat, I took a second look. The new hip pads are in fact soft and comfortable and the first glimpse of the new thigh braces looked strong and sturdy. With the option of adding the old famous hooker thighbrace. It really felt like all my christmases had just landed at once. Perfect for keeping me anchored in the boat, the seat was the safe comfortable stout seat, and the footrest the solid bulkhead system, as found in the rest of the lineup.
As we hoisted the boat high up onto the roof of my bus, I started to calculate the weight of her. I came up with a simple option, that it was lighter than the Mamba, and probably somewhere just under my large 9r. But in all honestly it felt good, strong metal handles front and rear plus rear broach bars, meant tieing the boat up was quick and easy.

Unloading again went smoothly, noone died or was flattened by a falling Machno. I even heard one person worried it may blow away in the wind. Now she was free, and away from the big water and the prying eyes of Sickline. In this beautiful Austrian Valley, we were going to really see how she behaved.
I sat in to her and knowing the person who had paddled it before me (Baino) is both shorter and a little narrower (not as athletic as me). I did wonder how much adjustment would be needed or if I would ever fit. But even with the Yak Vanguard drysuit I just adjusted the footplate to fit my size 47 Keen boots upfront, and eveything else was almost spot on.
For sure in my own boat I would spend more time adjusting for that truly perfect fit, but for a boat straight off of the shelf, I was straight in and paddling.

The first Machno off the line is typically a Medium. I havent really paddled a medium boat in a while. Not since my old 9rM, being 6"3 88kg im not really a medium size, but I wanted to give it a try.
I was delighted to find that the boat is actually quite a large Medium, holding me and my rescue kit comfortably on the river. The space in the rear is large and perfect for splits etc.
As I bounced over my first rock I thought I was back in Ireland. The rocky runs I've come to love. But in all honesty the Machno took no getting used to. It was like meeting an old friend, and getting straight back into things. With the forgiving rails the boat rolled and slid over everything, without the tripping and aggression needed in the burn, or the 9r.
 The Machno paddled itself. Whilst flat she simply rolled over everything. But engage an edge, and the rail gripped and held its course, threading its way between the boulders with grace and ease.

Having paddled the Shiva a good bit, but finding the Large Shiva just slightly out of proportion.
Im really excited to see the new Machno is a different beast, taking the forgiving lines but making a modern day creek boat. That you really want to paddle. Something to go up alongside the tuna 2.0 and the Mamba / Nomad.
Whether its big volume, steep, or low and rocky I can see the machno working well just about anywhere she goes.

For Irish paddlers the Machno is a perfect choice. Paddling more like the ever popular Mamba, but without the excess weight. For anyone looking for a new boat, I think the forgiving rails with the extra speed will be a great option and certainly worth a try. I can't wait to get her for spin on the Dargle, or Glens.

Machno vs 9r.
 So these two boats are a tough one to break down. The 9r is the king of speed, with the medium twitchy, and a little tail happy. Where as the machno is forgiving, with a sense of safety. Not having to charge at warp 10 into everything.
 But play the Machno against the large 9r the extra length and shape of the 9r makes it faster than the Machno. But for resurfacing and manoeuvrability, the Machno is a joy to play the river. With its safe, predictable lines, and solid thigh position your really part of the boat. Knowing that where you go, the boat is going too.

Personally I couldnt pick one or the other. I would have to have both! As I love the extra speed of the 9rL for big volume and racing but for low rocky technical the Machno would be my baby.
Knowing that when the water comes and things get bigger she will take it in her stride almost reducing the 9RL back to being just a race boat. (which we know she isn't only) Both boats are unbelievably fun to paddle and I would struggle to pick one over the other.

If my arm was really twisted and I could only own one. (Never going to happen) The Machno would take me everywhere.

The trip on the vent was certainly the lowest I have paddled it. Yet still beautiful, with nice carving moves, and tight lines coming alive.
The Machno really loved being on the river, never feeling trippy, or out of her depth. Whilst in the boulder gardens, she worked the river like no other. Manoeuvrable and predictable. Then once you add water and slot drops she lifted and weaved her way. Keeping the bow high and dry.
When she plugged she resurfaced safely and predictably.
 A true 4x4 of the kayak world.

The Machno feels like a boat that can just keep giving! A true, go anywhere boat.
I cant wait to see where this boat goes. When some of the lads with more flexibility than me, start pushing her around.
She is destined to fly, wether the waterfalls of Mexico or freewheeling in the French alps. The Machno is a tough act to beat.

At the getout, I was delighted to see that the boat was extreamly dry, with very little water in the boat was a great feeling.

The boat held its own, and even before getting off the water I think I may have sold a fleet of them!
I think I managed to sneak the boat back into the Pyranha team van with a couple more scratches but in perfect condition before anyone noticed.
Im truely impressed with Pyranha, having snuck this boat into the line up. Something as a paddler and a retailer, we didnt even realise we were missing
 But now, with probably the strongest lineup of boats, from any brand. Pyranha have boats performing at the top level from racing, freestyle, steep creeking and general river fun. Pyranha have built a boat for all occasions, and for any sized paddler.
 The Machno sits perfectly as a creek boat, bumping the Shiva down, and almost out. Once paddled I think many will agree to the far superior feel, and reliability of the Machno.

Thanks to Andy and Pyranha for allowing me the opportunity to get my hands in the new boat. I cant wait to see what the small and large looks like.

Photos by Adrian Durrant, Pyranha Kayaks and Maria Cole

Yak Vanguard Dry Suit

So this year I was given the opportunity to get back into Yak Adventure Paddling Equipment.

Over the years the Yak range has always come across as very intermediary and recreational based. in 2014 Yak had a new relaunch with things moving within the Survitec group a lot more focus was given to really developing and upgrading the Yak range to bring it in line with the rest of the industry.

I first saw the new range last year and was very impressed, the team have worked hard to change their brand image to a company who can provide top end equipment for paddlesports. I can safely say they have really done the job bringing new light to an established brand and pushing it on in terms of features and functionality.

The latest line up of Yak Equipment is bright, colourful, functional, comfortable and very usable.

Just before I headed to Europe in September I was delighted to receive a box of goodies from Yak, a company I first met 13 years ago when they first offered me a selection of samples as a local lad living next to the factory in Gosport.

The first Item out of the box was the Yak Vanguard Dry Suit.

This suit comes nicely packaged enclosed with a fleece undersuit and lycra over-socks to protect your latex socks.

What Yak say….

What I Say…..

So I put this suit through its paces on a recent trip to Europe, travelling through France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy stopping at Sickline over an action packed 3 weeks.

The Fit,

As always I picked up a large size at 6”3 I know I'm usually at the top end height wise for most large suits but I'm not wide enough to warrant the XL size. The Vanguard suit is a slightly smaller fit to Peak or Palm especially with the metal zip, the hips of the vanguard is also a little narrow but once on provides a lovely fit but for sure its worth trying on first.

I am personally using the Large size which to start felt a little short but now I don’t notice.

The cut allows great movement and flexibility without fabric bulking or getting in the way. this is helped by the internal braces supporting the lower half of the suit when walking, Other brands with neo waist do tend to slip and bunch when walking.

The Latex seals on the wrist and neck are both a good size not too tight and still comfy enough no cutting needed, the socks are probably suitable on the Large suit for upto about UK12 max at a UK11 they are a good fit and very easy in and out of a boot

Features

Latex wrists and neck – comfy and dry

Neo over cone to protect latex neck and provide extra dry barrier – no velcro for easy donning and removing.

Latex socks – something I’d had mixed feelings about over the years but now having used them I find them super, no bunching and really easy in and out of boots unlike some fabric socks.

twin waist – comfy twin waist with grip to stop it riding up

Brass Zip – super dry and industry standard for immersion suits. personally I like the flexibility of a plastic zip but this zip has caused me no problems and remained dry so I cant complain.

Relief Zip – personally I wouldn't own a suit without a relief zip its probably as important as a PFD on long days on the water!

Style,

So I’ve been know to be a bit of a fashion icon and for sure this suit is no different matching my eyes and…… anyway!

This is where I love the suit, as many of you know I love colour and the Vanguard is available in a lovely aqua blue which just so happens to match the rest of my kit. The lime green styling on cuffs really set the suit off and give it a great shape and look.

For 2016 I have seen a sample of Red top grey pants for those more reserved paddlers.

Dryness,

Having taken the technology from sister company Crewsaver I genuinely feel I could hop in the Atlantic, float to America and still get out warm and dry.

The TX20K 3 layer fabric is the bomb its heavy duty and very dry. the suit incorporates a windstopper within the membrane this makes the suit very warm even in the worst conditions I'm really looking forward to wearing this on the coldest days of the year knowing I'm going to be toasty warm.

In warmer conditions I feel this suit could almost be too warm for sure it doesn't have the breathability of GoreTex but it also doesn't have that pricetag anyways that's not usually anything we need to worry about with cold water this suit is a fantastic addition to the range.

Overall,

I’m really happy with this suit its comfy and dry, the cut is good and the colour is perfect. I will certainly be taking this suit on every adventure in the future!

If you looking for a fantastic suit, durable and warm definitely try the Vanguard on for size, its a fantastic price for a full package which is going to keep you dry!

For Sale Here @ I-Canoe.com

- Almost forgot

The free undersuit is cosy and warm whether worn inside the drysuit or in the van when driving its a neat piece of kit and amazing that its included with the drysuit.

The Lycra socks are designed to help protect the latex socks, personally I haven't used these as I love how easy I can put my boots on now with no bulk.