I recently got to try out the new Pyranha Everest. Pyranha has this burb about it on their website.

"31 years after the original design was used by Mike Jones` team to make the first descent of Everests river the Dudh Kosi, it is fitting we reincarnate the classic Everest name for a new breed of expedition WW kayak for 2008. Based on the phenomenal Burn design, this is the load carrying expedition kayak that will fit the big boys too! More length, more bow rocker, more aggressive deck profiling and slightly softer edges all combine to make a super predictable expedition river kayak."

Specs: Lenghth 8' 6 - Gallons 83.4 - Weight 46.5 lbs - Paddler Wt 165 -300 lbs

My Specs: 6' 4 - 195lbs

Disclaimer: I am not associated with Pyranha in any way

As I Peeled back the plastic wrapping, my first thought was. "What a really nice looking kayak".

Softer edges than the Burn.

Pyranha includes tons of outfitting to set up the kayak to your most detailed needs. Probably enough foam to outfit one complete other boat. Took me about half an hour to get the bulkhead, thigh hooks, and hip pads dialed in. I was pretty impressed at how much room I had for my legs and feet. Being so tall, it is always a challange finding a boat that is comfortable right of the shelf. I was cozy in this boat.

 

Odd place for a bolt. Right where the skirt rand wants to get a good seal.

Below Cheesegrater on the Embudo

A few thoughts on the boat. I was very comfortable in it all day. Liked that I could easily adjust the rachet backband before a hard drop and then ease it out for some boogie water. This boat was designed for bigger water and carrying gear, so it took a bit more work on the manky creek lines. It held a line really well, sometimes to well for this tight creek. I definately found myself over running moves and then scrambling to bring the nose around at the last second. It boofed great, snapped into eddys with just a slight lean needed. The secondary stability was almost non existent. It was hard initially to get it over on its side, but when it started to go, it really went. I found that when I hit a seam a little off balance, the boat was real catchy right behind the seat. If I stayed forward, this was less of a problem.

Here are a few shots taken right above the slot....

Contemplating the bone zone slot

Pros: Comfy for the tall person (one of the more comfortable), Good simple outfitting, fast, lots of room for overnight gear and looks sharp!

Cons: Wierd bolt placement right where skirt wants to sit, causing leaking. Felt like cross currents caught the boat right behind the seat, causing a feeling of instability. (Granted, I'm used to paddling a Mega Rocker, which needs a small nuclear explosion to flip it)

Conclusions: This is half a review because I only kayaked it on a low volume creek. I think this boat would excell on big water class 4-5. Anyone coming from the Burn series or anything similar, is going to absolutely love this boat. If you are coming from a pure displacement hull, there will be a bit of a break in period. Cheers, Atom.....

Stay tuned for part 2...

Pyranha's website