Didn't get much video, and had way better rides than what is shown here, but at least it shows the Play Pro (prototype) in action. A slightly narrower bow and narrower cockpit are the only significant differences, and to tell the truth, I think the regular Play 8 has a better bow design. The Play 8 bow's surface area and buoyancy seem to give better surf rides and more stability. In comparing to the hardshell paddler I was boating with, yes, he is definitely a better paddler, but you can see how the shorter boat that he had fit much better on the wave than the 8ft long Airis (which is 18 inches shorter than the Aire Force! The last time I ran this stretch two years ago I was paddling a Force and couldn't surf any of this stuff!). Hopefully some day Walker Bay will make an even shorter version of the Play!! In the mean time rumor has it that they will resume production on the Sport 10 and Tandem, but not the Play, for Spring 2012. For whitewater paddlers, if you can find a Play 8 anywhere I'd grab it as they beat anything else in the IK world for whitewater surf play!
No comments:
Post a Comment