Monkey_Driven wrote:
tragabigzanda wrote:
I'd like to get into some "play boat" kayaking this summer. I'm so close to the Gallatin River, and it's mostly a constant rapid that peaks at Class 3-4, but with low depth and lots of rocks, so I think this style of kayak would make the most sense.
Am looking at the various Play Boats on the market, seems like Jackson is the frontrunner. I'll plan to rent one a couple times this spring. Anyone have any experience with these?
Am looking at the various Play Boats on the market, seems like Jackson is the frontrunner. I'll plan to rent one a couple times this spring. Anyone have any experience with these?
You lost me there...
"Play boats" or "fun boats" are shorter than other kayaks; they're specifically for constant movement and getting into/out of tight little corners:
Video:
- Spoiler: show
The Gallatin River is fed by all the nearby snow melt, and there's no dam control. So the rapids are constant starting with the spring melt, and they gradually taper off over the summer (but are still pretty rockin' by the end).
Class 5 rapids are the biggest rapids one will find, and I've done guided kayak trips on Class 5 rivers several times. But those are much deeper waters, with not a ton of rocks. Contrast that to the Gallatin, where the rapids just barely hit Class 4 at their peak, yet it is apt to be much harder due to the technicality of the river.
I rafted Class 5 on the Snake River in ID (from google):
And then here's a calm part of the Gallatin for contrast:
