Kayak keeps it straight Confluence Watersports touts its latest kayak, the Dagger Green Boat, as a "one-of-a-kind creeking machine." I tested the kayak this month on Gore Creek in Vail, Colo., where boulders, holes, wave trains and sweepers made for a challenging whitewater run.
The Green Boat ($1,085, www.dagger.com) is longer than most whitewater kayaks, with an 11-foot, 9-inch hull that keeps it tracking straight on flat water or where the current is pulling strong.
But the boat's voluminous design keeps it buoyant on big water with dangerous holes or on steep creeks with swift water moving through rocks. It can "boof" drops and air off waterfalls, as well.
On Gore Creek, where the rapids were Class III and below, I did not drop any waterfalls. But I was able to assess the Green Boat while busting through waves and paddling hard in a timed event.
Overall, the boat was perfect for a racing situation, but it was not the most maneuverable kayak I've ever paddled. Making precise moves in swift water required more effort than what you'll find with shorter whitewater boats.
STEPHEN REGENOLD
Read his daily blog on outdoors gear at www.gearjunkie.com.
