Gear Review: The Green Boat from Dagger Kayaks
Value Rating: 8
Durability Rating: 10
Overall Rating: 8
Location of Test: Clackamas River
Duration of Test: 10 river miles
Product Name: The Green Boat
Product Brand: Dagger
Best Use: Whitewater Racing
Size:
Length: 11'5"
Width: 24"
Weight: 55lbs
Paddler Weight: 140-260lbs
The Full Review:
This boat was designed for the "Green River Narrows Race" in North Carolina. This is a very creeky river with must-make moves. This boat is super responsive to corrective strokes and has very forgiving edges. Because there is a little more boat to move here, you will have to give a little more effort to move it across the river. With that being said, when I timed my strokes well, I found myself being able to snap in and out of eddies with ease.
Once you get this boat going it is FAST! This boat has handed out gold medals for many whitewater racers. This would do great in local races like Northwest Creeking Competition, the Upper Wind Whitewater Festival, and Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival.
Another use for this boat is HIGH water runs. There are plenty of days in the PNW when the water levels are high and big holes form. This boat is great at punching through holes with all the speed it has.
Another positive note for The Green Boat, it has lots and lots of space in the stern for an extended camping trip. It’s long enough to track well on flat water and beastly enough to take on class 5 whitewater.
Did someone say Grand Canyon trip?? Yes, that’s right. This would be my first pick boat for a 20-day trip down the Grand Canyon. And many people have done it before. Dagger has the most comfortable outfitting in the industry, so you would stay comfortable the whole way.
The Full Review:
This boat was designed for the "Green River Narrows Race" in North Carolina. This is a very creeky river with must-make moves. This boat is super responsive to corrective strokes and has very forgiving edges. Because there is a little more boat to move here, you will have to give a little more effort to move it across the river. With that being said, when I timed my strokes well, I found myself being able to snap in and out of eddies with ease.
Once you get this boat going it is FAST! This boat has handed out gold medals for many whitewater racers. This would do great in local races like Northwest Creeking Competition, the Upper Wind Whitewater Festival, and Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival.
Another use for this boat is HIGH water runs. There are plenty of days in the PNW when the water levels are high and big holes form. This boat is great at punching through holes with all the speed it has.
Another positive note for The Green Boat, it has lots and lots of space in the stern for an extended camping trip. It’s long enough to track well on flat water and beastly enough to take on class 5 whitewater.
Did someone say Grand Canyon trip?? Yes, that’s right. This would be my first pick boat for a 20-day trip down the Grand Canyon. And many people have done it before. Dagger has the most comfortable outfitting in the industry, so you would stay comfortable the whole way.