I am really enjoying the Everest. An evolution of the Burn, the Everest is designed to be an expedition boat as well as a boat to accomodate those who need an extra large Burn. Although I do not necessarily need an extra large Burn nor, as with most paddlers, generally need a boat designed for expeditions, I am finding the Everest to be a great fit, for not only my weight but the gear I use on a daily basis. At 8' 6" this is the fastest boat I have ever paddled for its length. The Everest has added bow volume and stern rocker, making for easy boofs and the ability to glide over holes. Resurfacing is swift with the raised deck which allows water to shed quickly; when you plug a drop you are coming up fast. The combination of speed and the ability to glide over holes lends the Everest to be a hole punching machine, if you are the right weight. Although I do not feel that the boat is too big for me, I imagine that the extra volume might eventually surf me. That being said if you are around my weight and have a large frame, I do not think you will have any problems, if you are shorter maybe try raising the seat and either way the chines will help you out of a surf. I like having to extra volume so I can carry more safety gear, a change of dry clothes, and a thermos of hot tea. The outfitting is all I want without the extra weight, tons of space and simple outfitting. The backband strap on the Connect 30 outfitting will slip, however this problem is solved by a simple stopper knot on the strap. The small amount Everest sacrificed in manueverability from the Burn, it gained in stability and tracking. The chines have been raised on the Everest making it more forgiving, yet still retaining the ability to carve across currents with ease. The length and raised chines also help the Everest track well. After getting to paddle it I am very excited about the Everest, it seems to have some of the qualities that I miss about a full on creek boat, yet also contains the features that I love about river running boats.

Logan,