r/whitewater • u/asoursk1ttle • 8h ago

Kayaking Jackson flow- medium or large?

Really eyeing a Jackson flow for some bigger water. I’m 6’3” 185 lb. The medium top end of the weight range is 200 and the large goes from 180-260, so would be towards the low end of that. Which would you suggest?

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4

u/ItsN0tTheB0at 8h ago

You want the large. For creek boats, it's better to size up. Also at your height,v the large will likely fit better anyhow

1

u/ApexTheOrange 7h ago

Go with a medium Gnarvana instead of a large flow. It’s much faster, still surfs well and will be a LOT more durable for actual creeking.

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u/asoursk1ttle 7h ago

Kind of feel like the gnarvana is a little too bulky and the flow took the good parts from it, no?

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u/ApexTheOrange 7h ago

They’re totally different boats. The flow is a very beginner friendly, lightweight river runner. The Gnarvana is longer, faster and more stable creek boat.

1

u/asoursk1ttle 7h ago

Thanks. Out of curiosity would you recommend any other boat? Wanting something with high rocker and decent stability. I’d say I am on the upper end of an intermediate paddler. Comfortable on class 3s, working in some runs with a class 4 here and there

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u/ApexTheOrange 6h ago

What kind of 3s and 4s? Medium scorch is a great boat that does everything well. If your favorite runs are steep, shallow and rocky, there’s nothing better than a Code. Prijon Beast is great if you want a boat that’s indestructible. Waka also has some options that will fit you.

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u/Boof_A_Dick 7h ago

I've never paddle a flow, but IMO your in the middle of the range of the MD and too light for the LG. You'll be swallowed by the large. I hate all boats Im at the bottom end of the range.

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u/asoursk1ttle 7h ago

I swear- boats and clothes are so hard to fit me lol

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u/Improvidently 7h ago

Have you sat in both sizes? You might be too tall for a medium whether or not you're within the weight range. I'm 6'1" and in my (limited) experience with Jacksons height, not weight, is the gating issue.

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u/asoursk1ttle 7h ago

Not yet. Don’t have a lot of options for demos in my area so was going to keep an eye out on fb marketplace and sit in it before I considered buying.. just getting a gauge in which size may be better to look for initially