Gear Review: Liquid Logic Party Braap Whitewater Kayak
Value Rating: 10
Durability Rating: 9
Overall Rating: 9
Location of Test: Clackamas River
Duration of Test: 2 days
Product Name: Party Braap
Product Brand: Liquid Logic
Best Use: Whitewater
Size: 69 gallons
The Full Review:
The Party Braap is hands down one of the "funnest" boats I've paddled in years. From the moment I got in, I could tell the Braap was going to handle differently than any other boat I've been in before. This boat has a full displacement hull, a shallow stern, lots of rocker and very little "edge". What I found is that unlike some other boats I paddle, you really need to drive this boat to keep it on line. Once you do, it will go wherever you tell it to. If not, you might be turned around or upside down. This is because it sits up on top of the water more than some boats. This allows the boat to skip up and over elements on the river.
This Liquid Logic boat is extremely maneuverable and can change lines on a dime if you tell it to. This is not true of some boats with a lot of hard edges. One of the fun elements that make this Braap the "party" is the shallow stern. This allows for pivot turns and stern squirts. Though not as easy to squirt as the ol’ playboat under your deck, you can certainly get this boat vertical if you try, and sometime if you don't. Remember to lean forward when driving through meatier rapids unless you're looking to see the sky ;)
The Good
Comfortable Outfitting
Shallow Stern
Plenty of Volume
Easy to roll
Can handle class 5
Metal Grab loops
Adjustable Bulk Head
The Bad:
Might be difficult for a beginner or someone used to hard-edged kayaks.
The Bottom Line:
Bottom line is this boat is a blast to paddle and once you learn how to use it will make you an all around better and more aggressive paddler. With the well known comfortable "badass" outfitting you will be able to paddle in comfort all day. Running class 5 or playing in class 3 you will equally enjoy this boat.