River Running Kayak?

Question

I'm looking into buying a river running kayak or canoe. A friend told me that as a beginner, I should probablly buy a high side kayak or canoe. The only problem is that I need it to hold 320 pounds (I figure this is what it needs to hold with all equipment and myself). I want to begin on some class 2 and class 3+ rapids that are in my area and possiblly over time move to a class four rapid. Does any know of a good rig for me to use that has a larger closed cockpit ( I don't want just an open canoe if possible to keep out water). If not, does anyone know if you can put an extra 20-25 pounds on a kayak's weight restriction as long as I fit into said kayak? Any advice will help guys and an inflatable kayak/ canoe is not out of the question.

Answer 1

SOAR makes the Pro Pioneer inflatable canoe and its pretty great for one person and some bit of tonnage. My buddy got that one and I got the SOAR Levitator raft. 17 ft holds 3000 pounds. We fly into rivers and hunt moose and griz. I dont know how much the canoe holds but its over 350 and he handled it pretty well!! If you need it to cost less, you can get white water canoes (hard types) that have covers and floatation cells for gear and fun. I have 3 white water kayaks for touring and running, but the only types I know of that can hold gear is expedition sea kayaks. Mabey there's something new, some heavier hull that can run and haul gear. I'd get that!!

Answer 2

Sports kayaks are not designed to carry heavy loads. Any 15 or 16 foot whitewater canoe should meet your requirements. Do not try to use a skirt on a canoe. Instead use flotation bags. You can buy flotation bags that can be loaded with gear. Whitewater open canoe boaters are running grade IV rapids....none will be carrying heavy loads.