Meet the New Kid
Pyranha and Guigui Prod have combined forces to bring a new playboat to the market with awesome performance characteristics and added comfort not generally found in the playboat world! Unfortunately for me, being 6 feet tall (32 inch inseam, size 11 feet) but only 175 pounds, I am generally too tall for medium sized playboats, even with the seat back, and too light for large sized playboats.
With my only option appearing to be amputation of my feet, I am very excited to see a slightly longer medium sized playboat enter the market! I knew that if I just continued “hanging tough” that a playboat would eventually come along that I could fit in!
Not only is the Helectron fairly roomy where my feet sit, I can actually paddle it with the seat in the center position! This is very important because a balanced playboat will allow you to tap into the peak performance of the kayak!
The Helectron Outfitting
The Helectron comes with the new Pyranha outfitting. Which is phenomenal. The thigh hooks curve nicely to hold your legs and “never let you go.” The backband uses ropes that you can pull to tighten and then lock into place. The seat holds the backband high up. Which prevents it from sliding under you and lifting you off the seat. The seat is super easy to adjust since it sits on a track. Just unscrew the nut, lift, and move the seat to your desired location.
The hip pads have straps that loosen easily so you can slide in extra shims for your hips. The foot block comes in two parts that fit together like puzzle pieces. There are lines painted on to help guide you as you trim to the proper size for your feet. “Step by step” you will quickly get your boat outfitting and ready for the water in no time! But wait! “Please don’t go girl” because there’s more! An overthruster is included with the boat to help you get ever more air on your loops!
Once on the water, you will instantly see that the Helectron has “got the right stuff!” The boat is easy to throw around, spins quickly on waves, and loops huge! It is a high performance machine that will have you asking your friends, “Didn’t I blow your mind?” after each cool trick you throw!
The Helectron has got it all: comfort, performance, and user friendly outfitting. All it takes is one time on the water and you’ll be saying, “I’ll be loving you forever!” Contact Calleva River Store to demo or check out the boat for yourself!
Author’s note – The New Kids On The Block were a popular boy band in the late 80’s/early 90’s and their songs are referenced throughout this article.
The New Kid on the Block in Action ⎯ Playboat review
Bobby Miller
Calleva River School Instructor
Here at the River School, Bobby Miller is a main component of the instructor team. Bobby leads Fall Training, Cheat Training, Yough Training, Green Training…. whatever you want to train for, the Zone Dogg turned elementary school teacher, can get you there!
If you’re still not impressed, Bobby is a pro athlete ⎯ sponsored by Team Calleva, Accent Paddles, Immersion Research and Astral. He also has multiple first descents on rivers, creeks, and waterfalls throughout the United States.
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