Hi, I'm planning a Grand Canyon trip in March and would like some suggestions on kayak make and model that would be most appropriate. I'm a novice, but with class instruction and weekend outings between now and then I hope to have enough skills to make it successful. All tips will be appreciated. Thanks, - Tom

Do you have the Permit???

Im not going to get into your business but a novice running the grand canyon doesnt make much sense to me... there is some incredibly huge water out there... how good is your roll? Do you have the calm to hold your breath for 30sec b4 you roll?

If I were ruinning it I would have raft support and paddle a large volume riverrunner or creeker

Pyranha everest
Pyranah Burn
LL Jefe
LL Remix
JK Rocker
WS Diesel
WS Habitat

I will stress again that I think it is a bad idea for a novice kayaker to paddle the Canyon. Its no stress on my ego what you do, Im just doubtful that you truely understand the volume and power of that water.

What rivers have you paddled b4? and at what cfs? Might want to plan a Lower New trip at high water (7/8/9 feet) and take it from there.

Please dont take this post as my being an a$$... if you want any more info write back or PM

I will be frank and say that if you consider your self a novice right now you should back out of the trip. The only way you could get ready in time is to pretty much live on the river and paddle at least every weekend. I mean like paddling the Lower New or Upper Gaully every weekend. You don't want to get hurt or make a bad move in the Canyon not only for having to get out of a canyon. But if you have to call in a helicopter to pull you out it will cost more than five grand. Please make sure that you are ready for the river before you go.

I would have to agree with Laddie (except he forgot to mention the Bliss-Stick MAC1 and Mystic). Both have seen Grand Canyou runs.


All that being said though If you really have the permit, that is AWESOME Dude!!! And raft support?? Don't waste it, (can I go?) by all means go! and take a kayak but be prepaired to ride the raft down the major drops which is no big deal we all walk a rapid now and then. 90 percent of the trip is flat moving water. Great for practice and fun to explore the side canyons in a kayak. There are some great sneak routes on some of the drops and from what friends who have been there told me all can be walked. The Grand is a \"total\" experience and not just rapids. Being on a long trip, in an awe inspiring place with good friends is what is it all about.

Again, take a big comfortable boat that you can sit in for days. Demo any you are thinking about. A couple weeks in an uncomfortable boat would suck.

Have fun

t

Some people I know from Arkansas went recently. They said the rapids weren't as bad as you might think. They also said it's worth swimming the whole thing. lol I'm not ready for the paddle yet, but I enter the lottery every time. If I win, I'll do whatever it takes to get ready and bring people that have been before.

Check out these pics from a photographer that just got back...
community.webshots.com/album/561456380UxyDRn

hey Roman...Im on that Lottery too.

Want to make a deal? Double our chances???

Thanks to all for your comments. Yes, I have a permit and raft support. I was somewhat successfull learning to roll this evening using the extended paddle grip at the middle and blade. I will continue classes for 2 months and try to get in as much white water as possible before March. Thanks again. - Tom

Tom, I know that I put my point out there earlier but I am really concerned for you...

The Colorado in the Canyon is no place for a beginner. Brother if you cant even roll in a pool then you are going to be putting yourself AND your buddies in jeopardy. Think about those who are going to have to fish you out of the water.

I cant urge you enough to reconsider paddling the river... Seriously, get on the raft for the rapids man.