Pyranha Karnali L Review

 By Heath Damron

About me:  I have been paddling for all-year round for 5 years and I prefer to creek because I enjoy working downriver in technical rapids.  I have owned three Pyranha M3 243's, one Wavesport Habitat 74 and one Wavesport Habitat 80 as my primary creek boats.  I show new kayakers down new rivers very often so even when I'm not creeking I am in a creekboat for rescue situations.  I paddled 99% of the time in WV.  I am 5'10" 160lbs with size 10.5 feet. 

First impressions of the L Karnali:  I switched from the M3 to the Habitat to accommodate gear more easily.  When I first sat in the Karnali it was like throwing a hot dog down a hallway.  My first float in the boat was on the class II+ Lower Russell Fork.  I immediately noticed the boat was fast when I paddled it aggressively however very stable when floating across currents.  Usually quickness means the boat is also tippy.  Both beginners and hardcore creekers will appreciate the initial confidence the boat offers. 

Further testing:  My second run with the Karnali was on the Upper Gauley at 1300 cfs.  To my surprise the boat enjoyed the bigger water feel of the Gauley.  My run through the technical low water Pillow Rock rapid was smooth and in control.  This run showed some more differences and similarities to the boats I have previously paddled.  The Wavesport Habitat can not be beaten if you are going straight down river and it resurfaces beautifully, but I sometimes find myself in parts of rapids that I did not intend to be in.  The M3 is smooth and balanced but I find its slowness caused me to doubt if I could make some moves.  The unique volume and smooth edges of the Karnali allow the boat to be very maneuverable but also decisive when you need it.

Creek testing:  I have put the boat through its paces on my favorite creek, Mill Creek in Ansted, WV.  I have had it out on both low and medium levels and found boofs excellent and resurfaces in control. Off Mill Creek Falls (25ft) with a light boof the boat naturally fell into a 45 degree angle and landed soft as any other boat I have paddled.  However I would not recommend hard boofs off large drops because the bottom is farely flat and I have landed too flat in this boat of 25ft.  Next I took the Karnali down some unknown creeks such as Muddelty and Piney Creeks.  In unknown rapids I felt in control and confident in the boat.  At first the low rockered bow of this boat seems like it would plug holes but in reality since the bow is bigger than the stern it feels like it jumps up and out when loaded which leaves you on course for the next move.  Later this past winter I got on one of my favorite creeks, Pinch Creek.  Pinch is a super fast slide-drop style creek.  There are some holes but you are usually flying when you hit them.  I did drop into one hole right about a major drop called Twist-and-Shout.  At first I was worried and thought I was about to take a beating.  However I was able to surf out under control and run the rest of the drop cleanly.  The rest of this season the Karnali and I were one safety duty for many of our MUWC club members swims.  Also I let several new paddlers try the boat out.  It was interesting to see how they looked very confident and in control.     

Cons:  Well there is no perfect boat but Pyranha really did well with this one.  I am not a fan of the outfitting but I am a bit small for the boat.  I carry a lot of camera and rescue gear every time I paddle which is why I went for the L.  I switched the hip pads out because they could not be shimmed out enough.  The backband is not very supportive and could be improved.  The seat does not move very far forward and at first I felt like the bow was fluffy, but now I put some of my gear up in front of the bulkhead (where there is a good bit of space).  This balances the boat out better.  As with any boat spend the time to outfit it perfectly to get the most performance. 

Overall:  This is an excellent boat and I am looking forward to creeking in it for years to come.  I feel like creek boats should make rapids easier and therefore safer.  The L Karnali has really got me fired up about creeking!