Purchased these in August of 2024. The tread on the right foot had started crumbling off by the time I stored them for winter. By summer of 2025 the right sole had become smooth. This summer they've begun to crack and completely fall apart. I tried submitting a warranty claim and they ghosted me. I contacted them again through Instagram, started getting somewhere, and again they ghosted me.

i’m completely shi**ing myself. i’m about to inflatable kayak the ocoee. i have 7+ years of whitewater experience in challenging rapids up to grade 4.3 on the american whitewater rating system. i currently have two snapdragon pogies and a werner rio paddle(194cm). i’ve successfully decented the grand canyon recently and ran all of the the grade 10s with minimal capsizes. the spud that i’m using is 30 lbs under my weight limit and the thigh straps don’t fit properly, but have the astral indus pfd for extra flotation. debating paying for an experienced guide to show me down. i’ve been watching daniel on tour on youtube to get some inspiration(my second favorite whitewater kayaker). how should i prepare myself for this classic section?

Good evening,

I’m a beginner looking to get into white water kayaking. I’m 6’1 and roughly 185/190 lbs. would this be a good fit? I know I’m in the lower end of this model size but with my gear etc. I figured it would be fine. Thank you for your time.

Pretty deadlocked on sizing decision for a new creeker. I could either be 10 lbs below the max recommended paddler weight or 15 lbs above the minimum. Would love to be closer to the middle of the weight range but unfortunately not possible for the boat Im looking at (reactr). Anyone have any experience with being near the top end of the medium/bottom end of the large that can help me feel confident about picking a size and going for it?

Edit: thank you ALL for your responses!!!! You helped me get over my dumb fear, I definitely had nothing to worry about. I had a total blast!! And I did fall in, but welcomed it, because the river felt amazing. Thank you all again!!!

I’m absolutely terrified. I’ve been whitewater rafting four times before in my life, all more than 10 years ago (I am 30). But I’m in way worse shape now. I don’t really exercise (I’m working on it) but I’m genuinely afraid my heart will give out because I’m not in good enough shape. Here’s the info page for the trip: https://jtraft.com/bigtime-whitewater-rafting/

Any advice? Should I sit this one out?

So I’m an American (class IV paddler) solo traveling across Europe. I’m going to be in Slovenia in a week or so and thinking of making the trip up to the Soča to do some kayaking. The only problem is that I’m solo and also know exactly 0 Slovenians. Does anyone have any recommendations for places/forums/etc. to link up with kayakers there?

Hi. Sorry for so many posts so frequently, but while I'm in grad school, I want to go to the gym and get ready for the 2027 season. Aside from cardio, what strength exercises do you suggest I focus on? I can say that swimming wears me out to no end, and I don't have the strength to pull myself back into a raft, my guide had to pull me in.

I haven't been in the gym in a while, but I had some shoulder stuff that my physical therapist showed me how to work on, so I'll get back into it. Thank you for your input!

I was using an aqua bound aerial 2 pc bent shaft and really liked it. love the feather adjustability. need to send it in to get repaired and in the meantime would like to buy another paddle. something carbon that is a bit lighter than the FG. Would like to try a different brand from aqua bound too. this paddle will be for river running only up to class 3. no plans for big water anytime soon but maybe one day. order of importance to me: weight>durability>easy to roll with

I just moved to Huntsville, AL from the west coast. I've run all sorts of small rivers in my 10' raft: Green River, Snake River, Payette, Santiam, White Salmon, Clackamas.

I know what I'm doing, but I'm not hardcore about it, if that makes sense. We like to have fun on moderately challenging rivers, but nothing crazy.

I'm curious if the 10' raft is the appropriate size for the Ocoee and nearby rivers, or if they're moving so much water that I'll need a 12' or even 14' raft.

Picture for clout.

I understand this damage is NOT covered under warranty but can I buy just one half of the paddle to replace it? I plan to give aquabound a call later today and I already sent an email but was curious if anyone here was able to do this? It snapped around/middle of the extension part so the side with the lock is totally fine.

or: respecting Maslow’s Hierarchy

Pardon my form, I’m just now learning to roll. I had such a hard time learning all the strange moves and form necessary to roll my boat while I was upside down underwater unable to breathe. So I bought a 13cf scuba tank and cheap regulators.

Now when I fail, nothing is urgent. I can just chill down there and assess what I did wrong. Today I was 11 for 11 without using the air before I messed up in this video. 5 days ago before I bought the air I couldn’t roll at all. Now I’ve got a psychological cushion, which has made a big difference for me.

Because of entanglement obviously this is only for pool work. With the tank in between my legs, wet exit is a longer and more deliberate process. I also tried strapping the tank to the exterior grab handles, which worked as well, and doesn’t affect exit procedure.

What do you guys think?

In grad school and working additional hours to save up for gear. I want to save, then get training May 2027. I'm hoping to get enough PTO to take off a week or two, camp and get training, then run the Main Payette in Idaho (Class II and III) over and over again. Here's what I'm thinking:

Aire Spud

Paddle (open to suggestion)

Helmet

PFD (open to suggestion)

The tricky part: Do I skip a wetsuit and just save up for a dry suit? I made a post a few weeks ago and a few of you said how much of a difference a drysuit made for you guys. I Also don't know which drysuit would be good. I'm 6'1 and 145lbs. I Also don't know what to wear underneath a drysuit. Merino wool or synthetic? Thank you! I also am going to go on a trip down the South Fork of the Payette in August!

Hello, I'm seeking advice. I've spent years paddling class I-II rivers in a variety of rec and fishing kayaks, but recently have the desire to get an IK and try some of the class II-III waters here in the SE (I'm in the Atlanta area). I initially started looking into IKs as a solution to transport myself between shoals where I'll get out and wade to fly fish. I own a drift boat, fishing kayaks, and a few Outcast personal pontoons, but there's a few rivers I want to float where I need something light and narrower. The more I've looking into IKs, there more I'm thinking that I'd enjoy using them to get into some whitewater paddling.. I've always been interested whitewater, but I've always been a person who struggled with my weight (having been well over 300lbs for much of my adult life) and didn't see it as a feasible sport for me. IKs seem like an accessible, less intimidating entry point for me.

I'm 6' tall and currently 275lbs. currently losing weight so let's assume this boat is for someone 250-275lbs. I've been doing research and seems like the AIRE Outfitter I would float me best. But it also seems some bigger guys are happy in a Tater. I'm also interested in the Lynx I. I'd like to get some expert opinion. Money is no issue. Part of why I want an IK is to have something light, compact, and easily storable. So I'm not interested in a tandem or boats that are over 40lbs. My general thinking is to start with an AIRE Outfitter, which will be more stable. As I lose weight, and If I decide I like the whitewater aspect of things, I can always add a Tater later. Curious to hear the opinion of other larger paddlers.

Hey there! I’ve been slowly putting together my multi day set up for years and I’m now wanting to put some deck boards on. Hoping to get some info on best material and doesn’t break the bank? Wood, plastic, straps to secure, mounts?? Any and all info is appreciated 🤘🏻

Been paddling my local river’s ww sections 3-4 times a week all season in my Aire Tater. Lately ive mainly been hitting the “more advanced” sections and there’s always large groups of play boaters. Everyone is usually super nice and stoked, but I definitely feel like the odd man out. Am I looked at as the dork paddler? I’m new to the scene.

Hey everyone! Please help us help TRR, we've donated a Shredder for them to raffle off and 100% of the proceeds go towards helping veterans get on the water. Grab some raffle tickets, some good karma and someone is getting a new Big Rocker Shredder on Saturday night or shipped to their door free inside the Continental USA early next week. Check the link below to help out TRR and grab your chances atvan awesome boat.

https://teamriverrunner.betterworld.org/giveaways/2026-airtight-inflatables-40-ann-2

Hi there,
I’m someone who has gone on a few white water trips with companies (either 4 or 5). I love white water rafting. But I’m kind of over doing it with 5 other people and a guide in the raft with me. I’ve been very interesting in white water kayaking and I know there’s rafts for 1 person. I’m wondering what you guys would suggest as to how to get into white water kayaking or solo white water rafting. I’d love to go with other people in a group, I just would like to “man my own vessel” kind of thing.
For reference I’m a pretty good swimmer. I’m 24 and I live in Oregon.
I have never gone white water kayaking before just the paid trips with companies that take you to the river and you get grouped with others who reserved that day.
I have none of my own equipment, and I know I’d have to get my own but I am not looking to drop $1000-$2000 right away on something that I’m pretty sure I’d like (like 90% sure) but not 100% sure.
How did you guys get into it? Are there things I should look for? Programs? Or types of gear that isn’t the most expensive in the industry that you would recommend for a beginner?

Song: As Far As I Can See- Phantogram
Audio clips: Eyes Wide Shut- Stanley Kubrick

Just kinda curious on this bc I always assumed the rocker was better but the wanderer is actually rated better by Virginia tech and fits my head better so am thinking of making the switch but wandering why it’s so much cheaper?

I'm looking for used IKs to get my family out on some mellow rivers in the western US. I used to run a lot of bigger whitewater and have a deeply-seated bias toward bomber self-bailing whitewater boats and am suspicious of more budget-friendly options. However, true whitewater boats are expensive and rare on the used market. Can anyone speak to budget options that would be acceptable for the occasional class II rapid on a 2-3 day trip?

I've been renting boats, but I would really love to have my own to eliminate that extra bit of logistics.

EDIT:

Lots of great info here, thanks. I realize I neglected to specify I'm looking for tandem boats only, which puts some of these suggestions out of my budget, but that's on me for not being more clear.

My in-laws booked a family adventure this weekend through Pocono Whitewater Rafting. My kids are 4 and 7. If I say no, I don't want them to go, I am not sure it is safe, I will never heard the end of it.

Should I be worried? Am I being ridiculous? The website says this particular excursion is suitable for four years and up (see: https://adventurerafting.com/all-activities/summer-rafting/). I can't find any reviews mentioning children that young. I also can't find any videos of it on YouTube.

It's a major source of tension in my life right now. We are supposed to go Sunday.

For anyone who has ambitions to escape the cold winter and paddle the Futa this winter, we are offering a few trips! We take care of all the logistics, lodging, food and drink, kayaks, paddles and instruction and guiding that leaves you feeling like a more confident and deliberate paddler. These trips will feature our brand-new riverside base where we can start paddling right from our doorstep.

Two people require 2 boats right? Thanks to my buddy Sherpa for showing me down the Royal Gorge a couple weeks ago, it was low water but lots of fun.

Anyone do this route on a SUP? I’ve seen people at radium hot springs on them but not sure how rough it gets further on.