Jackson Hero

Weight: 165lbs to 170lbs (with gear)
Height: 5' 10"
Inseam: 32"
Years paddling - 14

Speed:
It is surprisingly fast for a high volume stubby boat. It holds a ferry line and from what I can tell so far, it tracks really well through big waves. The boat surfaces immediately after running a drop. The front and back deck shed water easily and do not load up. Hull speed is good even after crashing through a big hole. I was also able to obtain surf waves reasonably well that were better suited for boats with longer hull lines. It is also very nimble and quick for such a large volume boat. I was able to execute almost slalom like moves, dodging boulders with ease.

Stability:
This is a very forgiving boat. The secondary stability is really amazing because you can tip it almost all the way over and pop it right back up. I intentionally threw is sideways and backwards in funky water and it would not trip up. There are no edges to catch! It also rolls extremely well. The volume of the boat does not hamper your roll like older some older boat designs. The boat feels like it sits high in the water but actually has a low center of gravity.

Comfort:
Jackson has really got the outfitting dialed in this time. This boat is like sitting in a chase lounger. The butt pad and knee outfitting are PLUSH. With some minor tweaks to the outfitting I was basically able to jump in the boat and start paddling. The hip pads did not slip, the back band was solid. The foam blocks in the front make a solid and stable platform for your feet. This is one of the few boats that I have paddled where after an hour of paddling I was not aching anywhere!

Bottom line:
This is really a great boat for both new kayakers and hard core big-drop addicts. New boaters will love the forgiving lines and ease of maneuverability. Hard core fans will love how it easy it makes the hard moves on the really big drops. Both will enjoy how easy it rolls. I would not be afraid to take it on any type of water from class IV low class V creeking to IV-V general river running. Uber boaters can take this boat as far as they want. This boat is an excellent boat of choice for all the continuous, fast, cold tight Washington rivers out here. It is an AWESOME paddling machine. You can't do anything wrong in it! It is a great all around boat to add to your kayak quiver.

I am taking it out again on the Wednesday night paddle we have going on here. Wet Planet, the rafting company in Husem, is also putting on a slide show, beer and barbecue after the paddle that chronicle their team of kayakers that went to Peru. I'll try to get some pictures and send them your way!

Paddle on,
Doug

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