How does it handle in rivers and rapids of up to category III? Do rocks and sunken trees branches puncture it easily in shallow water?
2090458
I really don't know. I only use it at a quiet small lake. I would not want to risk itin swift moving water. Better to use a hard shell kayak.
2090459
We have taken it down class 3's and it has flipped during tight bends in the river. If you're more experienced, you may be able to keep it upright. We have had no issues with punctures from sticks or jagged rocks. We are pretty rough with the kayak and have taken it down rivers at least 10 times over the last 2 years so it's impressive that it still works great!
906485
Jim, my family and I have been boating for nearly 30 yrs. We have gone through more tubes that I want to count. This tube can handle any type of water condition. Actually the rougher the better, if they like jumping. It is very stable and almost to stable. You really have to go out of your way to flip it. I have taken my older boys around tight turns doing 35 mph and it won't flip. You and your family will enjoy it. Have fun,Don
314220
It is a great grip and well made, I have never put mine in water; but can think of no reason why it would not work in water. It is very rugged, I use it in the field for birds. Good luck.
112407
I've been out in pretty strong thunderstorms with some driving rain and the FireFly hasn't had an issue. I've also had it somewhat submerged while crossing rivers and it works fine. I wouldn't take it diving, but I'm not afraid to get it wet.
1160064
I've had mine for 3 summers now and have been on at least 15 different rivers. It is very durable. My kids have even used for sledding in the winter.
124560
I've used my 2-person Coleman on the new paddling trail on the Colorado near Columbus. There's a shallow section of what I'd call Class-.25 rapids--not much more than ripples in fairly slow water, but still a step above flat water-- and the kayak did fine. The sit-on-top Colemans are somewhat wider than the Sevys so they may be a bit less maneuverable, but I've been very impressed with the Coleman's durability.
35033
I guess it depends on the river and how fast the water is moving!I would advise against it if you are likely to come into contact with rocks and trees as the material is not strong enough and will easily puncture!
1123887
That's not a bad idea, but that's really up to you. I've run over over plenty of things from trees fallen under water to sticks thick enough that stopped my boat. The boat has survived them all. It's a great boat and was definitely worth getting if you want to see if kayaking was your thing. You need to run over something so sharp or hard that can puncture this boat, but if you're careful. This boat can last you for quite some time.
458884
This boat is hard to paddle and steer in a straight direction if you're going down a river. Takes a bit of coordination, but you can manage. Just don't expect to go far in a short amount of time. Inflatable kayaks or canoes are speedier, or just get someone to tug you behind their kayak or canoe!
1362781
I have not had any problems with it in Ohio weather. But I have not taken it off road to see if it can take mud, nor submerged it in standing water either. So far so good!
877495
I have definitely used it for more than 4 miles, but not in an rapids, only lakes. I don't know how it would hold up if it hit any sharp rocks, but mine doesn't have any holes and has hit a lot of branches and logs ( with 2 people in it).
458883
I've been using it on a calm lake. If it is a rough river, that you need to make it upstream it may be hard. The paddles aren't the best, there is no foot pressure to get the full thrust of each stroke. One day i was out and it was pretty windy and i could barely keep moving against the wind. That said, if you are going on a river that is fairly calm or you are just traveling with the current it should be fine. I'd watch out for shallow rocks, as I saw one of these tear by scraping on a rock when being put into the water.
475040
I keep it very sharp and have had no problem cutting 2-3 inch branches with a solid baton. This knife can handle that type of "abuse" with no problem. I use it all the time to split firewood into kindling with a baton also.
313015
We have used ours on the Saco River in NH. The rocks there are worn smooth from the current. We are more likely to bump into fallen logs and branches. We have never had any issues with tearing. You will not be sorry if you decide to purchase them. We own 2 with mesh bottoms, 2 solid bottom tubes, and 1 double tube. Enjoy your summer.
1380606
I found it to be very durable. It held up for the second year. No rips or damage yet. I only use it in the pool. As for a river run or linking to others, I'm not sure but probably not.
2203078
Yes it is Ive taken it on class III and IV rapids and under those conditions the kayak can fill with water, but it will self bail
1160065
Hello A. Salyer, the outer covering I'd say is quite durable. However, the handles that I tie together for our need would not take the stress of a river rafting. We are simply floating in Hood Canal, something like a lake. Individually, I don't see why it could not work on a gentle river.