RMA Poudre Rock Report

PRODUCT REVIEW: Pyranha ReactR

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The Pyranha ReactR is the last creek boat you will ever buy! I was pretty late to the game to give this thing a spin as this is the second season the boat has been on the market. I was a little skeptical at first because I love my Pyranha Scorch and I was thoroughly convinced that there wouldn’t be a better hull design coming out anytime soon, but let me tell you, the ReactR is so sweet.

At first look I was quick to judge, I assumed that the extra width the ReactR has compared to the Scorch and Pyranha’s other race/Creek boats, would slow it down and maybe make it less snappy/aggressive/sporty. But the width didn’t hinder any of those attributes, while adding extra stability and confidence in hard pushy whitewater. My first lap in the ReactR I took it down my home run the Poudre Narrows at a healthy medium flow. I was immediately blown away by how easily the boat turns without having to engage an edge. It is so responsive, all you need to do is look where you want to go and it’ll take you that way. Turning and pivoting on a dime, I believe it is even more responsive than my Pyranha Firecracker half slice! My other reservation was that the slicey stern would be a little too playful in demanding class V, but this is not the case at all. I didn’t even notice I was missing any stern volume until the boat did me a solid and the stern engaged to push me up and out of the hydraulic I managed to temporarily get stalled out in.

After getting a feel for the boat I decided to see what it’s really got, and took it down some waterfalls and advanced creeking on the North Fork of the Little Wind River. In a wilderness setting in challenging whitewater that requires quick moves through fast and steep mank, I could not have been more comfortable in any other boat than the ReactR! Last second adjustments at the lip of each waterfall were a breeze, and the boofs were effortless/automatic.

Stop in to RMA to give their demo a spin, or just take my word for it, and pull the trigger on the last creeker you’ll ever need!

-RMA Team Paddler Heath Bradley

In-Stock Instore and Online at www.rmapaddlegear.com

There’s Never Been a Better Time to Learn How to Kayak!

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Upcoming Classes @ RMA:

July 19th Intro to River Running: This Intermediate paddler class is perfect for those stepping up to Class III runs. We combine easy moving water and rapids for an ideal learning and excitement balance. Class curriculum focuses on group safety, scouting, river reading skills, and kayak maneuvers. Prerequisites include: proficiency in a flatwater roll, wet-exit from kayak, and comfort in Class II whitewater.*Inflatable kayaks are welcome to register, prerequisites will vary from above.

July 20th Roll Class: The centerpiece of the sport of kayaking is the Roll. Our kayak school offers classes aimed at teaching you this important technique. These kayak instruction classes are primarily focused on the sweep roll. Sessions include a one-hour session in the classroom and a 3 hour pond session.

July 26th-27th 2 Day Fast Track: Consider enrolling in our Two Day Fast Track program. By combining a sampling of our kayak roll, paddling techniques, and on-river instruction into one intensive class, we will have you navigating fun class II rapids in short order. We offer this two-day class on the Poudre River and a nearby Natural Area pond. Bring a packed lunch each day so we can optimize learning time. In addition to regularly scheduled group classes, private instruction is also available. Suitable for ages 13 and up.

Book Your Spot Today.

PRODUCT REVIEW: Pyranha Helectron

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Paddling the new Pyranha Helectron is like grabbing a dragon by the tail, this boat is built for a wild ride. Created in collaboration with French composite kayak designers GuiGui Prod.  Every element of its design invites explosive performance. The standout feature is the sheer amount of pop that this boat can generate. If you’re into throwing loops larger than your student loans then look no further than this boat.

The oversized bow, combined with Pyranha’s signature over-thruster, launches massive loops and macho moves with ease. It feels like the Helectron wants to go vertical at every opportunity. The boat features a flat spinning hull with a double rail design that adds both speed and control on a wave. Coupling the boat design with the new Elite outfitting and you’re certain to be the most comfortable paddler throwing huge airs at the next competition or at the local wave hole.

On the downside, no matter where I positioned the seat, I found myself pearling and getting window-shaded more than I’d like to admit when surfing holes. In conclusion, this is a high performance ride that demands precision but for those looking to take flight it’s an excellent choice.

-RMA Team Paddler Cole Conger

 

In-stock Instore and Online at www.rmapaddlegear.com

American Whitewater – Community Event

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American Whitewater is excited to invite you to a community gathering on Tuesday, May 27th, from 5:00–7:00 PM at The Lyric Cinema.


Enjoy good company, engaging conversation, and a unique opportunity to connect with American Whitewater’s entire staff from across the country! Our team will be in town for a staff retreat, and this event provides a chance to meet, mingle, and gain insight into what is happening on rivers nationwide alongside some updates and celebrations about our beloved Poudre River. You’ll be able to renew your membership if needed, and we’ll also have American Whitewater merch for sale.

We look forward to seeing you there!

CPRW – 2nd Annual TAKE ME TO THE RIVER

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Join us at the 2nd Annual Take Me to the River fundraiser on June 20, 5-9pm, at The Hillside Vineyard, to support our local watershed group – The Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed (CPRW). Celebrate CPRW’s accomplishments and support important projects and programs that help to improve and maintain the ecological health of the Poudre River, including river and forest restoration, education and outreach, post-fire recovery, and community science water quality monitoring.
To learn more and purchase tickets visit: https://www.poudrewatershed.org/take-me-to-the-river