First, let me say thanks to everyone who responded to me yesterday about pricing my C1. From everyones comments it seems that a C1 is not to popular. It made me wonder though why somebody would choose to convert their kayak to a C1. Are there any benifits. From the one I own, but have not used, it looks like it would be hell on my knees.
Thoughts
I think the upright position the saddle offers in a C1/OC1 might offer more leverage and hip flexibility.
You might want to ask this question at www.cboats.net
Phreon
Have paddled c-1 since '74, and see
only a few advantages relative to kayaking.
- You sit higher, can see better, get less water in your eyes or on your glasses.
- The single blade gives you stronger leverage for certain turning and bracing moves (but lack of blade on other side offsets this advantage).
- A c-1 can run full flotation in the bow as well as the stern, and so floats higher if you end up swimming.
- If you do overnights, it is easier to get gear balanced and the hull properly level.
- With some c-1 setups, in creeking and exploring situations, you may be able to get out and back into the boat more easily and securely than in some kayaks. (Depends on intelligent outfitting.)
- The mystery advantage. For a few of us, the asymmetrical c-1 technique just feels better. (no points awarded.)
I also paddle OC-1 and kayak. Kayaks have a big advantage in driving back upstream, in bracing on both sides, and in long-term comfort. I would never advise anyone to start out in c-1, but for someone who already is very good in OC-1 and wants to try decked WW boats, c-1 is a natural transition.
Oh, by the way, I am one of the few
people ever to have converted a c-1 to a kayak.
Good knees - tight hamstrings
That’s my reason to C1.
Sitting in a kayak makes my back and legs SCREAM!
Kneeling is not too bad.
So I paddle canoes and C1.
Tommy
Converting to a kayak
Well I am finding out that I am an extreme novice and don’t have a clue in this area. I believe the C1 that I have started out as a kayak. I’ve search this online and have found that the Blast is not on Dagger’s website so I’m assuming it is discontinued. The only place I find repeated hits are UK websites and all of these have seats in them. My question is, if it was originally a kayak, would that make it easier to convert back. From what I have read the Blast is supposed to be a decent kayak for small adults and children. If it isn’t worth much to sell I would like to convert it back to a kayak and keep it until my young daughter can use it. That or finally lose my gut and use it myself. Sorry such a long message.
The Blast was an excellent old school
boat for small people. Sort of a small Animas, but sharper handling. If you can’t get the original seat, you might be able to make a seat out of minicell. Or buy one for about $150 from redfishkayak.com. But that would wipe out your savings.
Rite arm bra !
Hey TommyC1 I agree completely. Sitting on one’s butt with legs out in front puts a lot of pressure on the spine. It can put a great deal of pressure on nerves in the lumbar area which can add to leg pain. So can sitting in a canoe. Kneeling with your bum on a kneeling thwart or canted seat is much better for one’s back. Now if I could just figure out how to keep my knees form going bad after 35 years of kneeling. Those C-1 guys are my heroes. I paddled the Chattooga R. one time with a C-1’er. We paddled a lot every day for 5 days in a row, wow.
Comfort
I’m teetering between kayaking and canoeing. They both have their relative merits, but I can say in my limited experience, that I find the kneeling position of an OC1 much easier on my back and butt. I too have banjo strings for tendons in my legs and the “legs out” position of a kayak can get to me. I tried a playboat (Jackson Fun) the other day and the “legs and feet wedged in” position was completely untenable. Much worse than spending hours strapped into a saddle.
Pick your poison,
Phreon
C1 for about some time
and liked it for the reasons already said. While i kayak, in my heart i am still a canoeist. I left c1 mainly because i wasn’t an aggressive enough paddler which showed itself in both paddling style and in a inadequate roll. I can’t say enough about the pain in the feet from paddling c1. I stopped paddling at about the time people starting their kayak converstions into C1 and for me i figurred kayaking just made more sence. Their reasons for conversions were for having more playfull boats that were not available on the market where i was and am still not a player but more a down river kinda guy. SEe you downstream.