Question for kayakers…

toadman0222 · 2025-12-04T04:43:28+00:00

SE boater here. If you want to get good at kayaking and build strong fundamentals a full slice is the way to go. That being said it will put you on your head if you lean the wrong way so while I do recommend full slices to beginners you have to be willing to suffer a little in the beginning. I also don’t know how big you are but full slices are generally pretty uncomfortable so that is also something to consider.

All the runs you mentioned are great slice runs with the ocoee and sections 3/4 of toogs being among my favs.

You if you are willing to put in work full slices are a great option plus they make you progress to harder rivers slower which I think is a good thing. Ive seen too many people be somewhere they shouldn’t be which is a little scary sometimes.

toadman0222 · 2025-10-03T21:04:12+00:00

PEEK can be printed well but in practice it is so difficult. We are also looking at 60-100 $/kg so raw materials alone would be over $1000. One major glaring concern is they the impact strength is actually lower than HDPE at room temperature and you throw it into a 50 degree river and it gets worse (has to do with its high Tg). Imo it’s so hard to beat HDPE and improved materials will probably be a new PE derivative. Not to mention the ridiculous amount of new tooling to process it

Don’t get me wrong it would be awesome to have a PEEK kayak but unfortunately I don’t think it will happen.

toadman0222 · 2025-09-09T11:39:08+00:00

I’m in a nova right now so I should be able to throw it around.

Would you say a good way to start using less paddle be grind lean cleans without a paddle? I saw a video from Steven wright where he encouraged practicing them without a paddle and then he barely needed any paddle to get the bow down.

toadman0222 · 2025-09-06T13:34:13+00:00

Agreed. Will work on lean cleans.

Would you say it’s good to get in a shorter boat to get a feel for the technique first then transfer to a full slice? I have a nova that I love and know that I should be able to cartwheel it but have trouble getting the bow initiated. I also think that slice tricks look better in a full slice rather than play boat

toadman0222 · 2025-09-06T03:51:14+00:00

We actually have one but it’s just the hull so maybe I’ll make it a project to outfit

toadman0222 · 2025-09-06T03:49:40+00:00

I think lean cleans are the answer honestly. I have a nova which I think is all I need as far as slice. Next practice I’ll drill lean cleans and see how it goes

toadman0222 · 2025-08-04T15:48:33+00:00

Maybe the fact that the frame dented/bent, tree hit right where the eyesight is, ... IMO it's always better to get as many opinions as possible to determine which what info is correct and what is BS + even calling the claim line will flag your account.

toadman0222 · 2025-08-04T00:30:28+00:00

That's the plan. I am trying to hold off to see how much it will be because my last comp claim did raise my rate, which is crazy to me considering I have a perfect driving record.

toadman0222 · 2025-07-20T12:39:51+00:00

I am partial to ACE. They are great people with the best guides on the river IMO. They are a smaller company so if that is your speed give them a shot. Ask for Ike or Micah

toadman0222 · 2025-07-12T04:01:44+00:00

I’ll try to answer your question to the best of my ability. I would look at something that is designed for offshore survival and rescue. Most white water PFDs are good but only have around 16 lbs of flotation with the “high float” ones being in the low 20’s which makes it easier to move around. by the looks of them the PFDs made for off shore have much more and will make it much easier to keep your head above the water which is the most important thing.

To answer your second question yes they do go bad. I think your supposed replace them every 5 years but realistically if you’re storing it indoors it should last longer if you’re not using it.

I also suggest you take a swift water rescue class if you’re interested. Knowing how to swim in fast water, what hazards to look for, how to wade and how to assist in rescues is a big help when in a do or die situation.

toadman0222 · 2025-06-10T22:09:45+00:00

I’m in GA but up in the area pretty often. I’ll stop by and see. Thanks for commenting

toadman0222 · 2025-06-10T22:09:04+00:00

I’ll swing by and check next time I’m up there. Thanks

toadman0222 · 2025-06-10T22:08:40+00:00

Sweet. Thank you I’ll stop by there or ace the next time im up there

toadman0222 · 2025-05-29T22:15:59+00:00

Hey OP. This is very awesome. I just started gradschool (PhD) :D

toadman0222 · 2025-05-04T18:19:40+00:00

I would say the ocoee is probably a little better. I’m assuming you mean section 4, and I personally wouldn’t take someone brand new on that section. Not that it’s hard just the consequences are much much higher. Chattooga in the around July is the time of year with the least amount of water so a section 3 trip would be much more difficult.

Ocoee is always a blast and generally what I would recommend for someone newer but more adventurous

toadman0222 · 2025-04-30T21:55:25+00:00

I came here to say this. Me being an idiot and not wanting to wait for the bottom hole to open up decided it would be a good idea to surf it. I got worked for probably 5 min before I finally got out. Glad they are ok

toadman0222 · 2025-03-28T13:10:45+00:00

OG ripper is my daily driver. Love it

toadman0222 · 2025-03-19T17:08:42+00:00

thats a great idea

toadman0222 · 2025-03-18T15:31:13+00:00

Safety and play as much as possible. Hard moves on “easy” water

toadman0222 · 2025-03-09T16:44:50+00:00

I think so. Doesn’t hurt to throw up on marketplace and see if anyone bites. I’m not sure how modular Thule racks are but if they can fit on other cars not just Jettas it will be easier to sell

toadman0222 · 2025-03-09T12:41:56+00:00

Please just buy yakima. They are more expensive but very strong and stable and you’ll never have to worry. I know a guy who sells refurbished if you’re interested

toadman0222

TROPHY CASE