Just Another Weekend Kayaker

I went up to Lyons, CO, a couple of Saturdays ago to be a spectator at the whitewater events of the Lyons Outdoor Games. After the events were over, I had the opportunity to meet Eric Jackson and Nick Troutman. (I have to be honest, for a while these guys have been up near the top of my “personal heroes” list, and then getting to meet them — yay, cool!) They were both really nice, and took the time to chat with me for a few minutes. I don’t know why this surprises me; maybe I’m too cynical.

But at any rate, they gave me my little moment. At one point we were talking about kayaks (seeing as I will be in the market soon), and EJ recommended that I try the Jackson Fun. My research thus far has made me a fan of that particular series, but the one thing I am concerned about (with any smaller boat) is leg room. EJ, having sized me up as being close-ish to his size, was of the opinion that the Fun (not the 4Fun, but the Fun) would be the right fit for me. Granted, I would think EJ is pretty good at sizing people for boats, but… well, I must admit to some skepticism.

Hey, don’t throw things at me! I know, I know, when God says ‘Hey, maybe you should try this,’ you don’t say ‘Uh, are you sure about that, God?’ I mean, kayaking advice from EJ… that is not to be taken lightly. But as far as sizing, EJ is, well, not a tall guy, and I’m 5′10″ with long legs. I’ve had trouble with smaller boats in the past; once I tried cramming my lower body into a friend’s Necky playboat, and that just didn’t go well.

A few days after getting EJ’s opinion, I talked to a co-worker who recently purchased a Jackson Fun. He’s slightly taller than me; he says he loves the boat, and that it’s not too small at all.

OK, so EJ was probably right about me. I’ll try the Fun. And in the meantime… my clunker kayak has plenty of leg room, but other than that I hate it. So leg room isn’t everything.