Hi norm!
How are things?! I am buried under schoolwork here, but spring boating is managing to keep me sane! We are having a really late and heavy winter, which means lots of water! I was so happy to get the SCUD!
I love it! I don't think that I'll ever want a new boat again! A few weekends ago I ran
Chamberlin falls on the North Fork of the American in it, and last weekend I ran Pauley Creek just over the sierra's from us by a little town called Downieville. Both of these runs were new to me so I was a bit nervous on both, but I soon realized that in the SCUD I was solid!
I thought it would feel bigger to me than it did... even though it's large volume, it still feels a lot like my playboat! It turns really easily, and I was surprised by how fast it actually is! I noticed that I just went right over any funny water or side currents and I really haven't once felt my edges get caught on anything... it's like the SCUD just goes over and through stuff without slowing down. When I boated the Huka, I felt like I bounced over stuff, and probably because I was more used to a flatter bottomed boat, I felt less in control, but the SCUD goes over stuff without bouncing, if that makes any sense?
It really felt like a perfect fit for me even though it is probably meant for a larger paddler, and I probably sit higher in the water than most people will in it. Pauley Creek was really my first creek run, and it had a few great drops on it that was new for me. I don't have the strongest boof stroke yet, but I landed ever drop with my nose bouncing up before my tail had even landed yet, and with enough speed to clear all holes. I really don't have a thing bad to say about it... it makes me feel like I had push myself harder and try things outside my comfort zone and I love it! So when we get out to visit you in New Zealand I'll be ready for any creek you have to throw at me!
Anyway, I hope goes well for you guys there. I'll keep in touch! I
think
Talk to you later!
Lon