The last couple of years have been very good - and very busy - at UK-based Pyranha. They've been releasing lots of new models in every major kayaking category, all with plenty of innovations. I've been honored to review most of their new lineup for 2003. In this article we'll examine their river-running entry, the I:3 Series.
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| Figure 1 | Figure 2 |
Figure 1 (a stock photo from Pyranha) shows the requisite top and side views of the I:3. Figure 2 is a closeup of the label which appears on all current Pyranha kayaks. It's clear from the "Designed Use" description that Pyranha intends the I:3 for playing, running, and instruction. If the order of appearance is meant to be significant, I would have ordered them running, playing, instruction - and we'll learn why as this article continues.
Pyranha's 2003 kayak lineup includes competition-grade playboats (S6X), some dedicated playboats (S:6, S:8), creekboats (H:3), and more. They have at least one boat for almost any purpose. The I:3 sits squarely in the middle of the range, with more volume than the dedicated playboats (to improve stability when running) yet less volume than the creekboats (to permit some "play along the way"). Its hull design is also centered in the spectrum of today's popular whitewater activities, a hybrid of planing hull for playability but generally convex deck shapes to shed water rather than capture it.
Let's begin our examination with the outside of the I:3 - the surface seen by the water.
Referring back to Figure 1 again, the I:3's bow (as seen from the top) has a gently curved, psuedo-parabolic outline. The stern has a similar shape other than the notch created by the swallowtail.
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| Figure 3 | Figure 4 |
Figure 3 shows the side view of the bow. There's plenty of rocker, as is suitable for a river-running kayak that you (generally) want to keep on top of the water. Figure 4 shows the bow's hull, and the beginning of the I:3's two-step edge which runs the length of the kayak. Note the absence of funky profiles and "mystical features"... just lots of surface area.
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| Figure 5 |
Actually, there is one unusual feature. Figure 5 shows a subtle concavity in the bow. Pyranha says that this feature "breaks the surface of the water and gives lift". While doing so, it develops a "fan" of water that shoots forward and sideways from your bow. This is particularly evident while front surfing, since that the time of maximum relative water velocity.
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| Figure 6 | Figure 7 |
Figures 6 and 7 give the same perspectives of the stern region. There's plenty of stern rocker, though it is longer and of a shallower slope than the bow. This means the bow and stern behave differently when given the same input from the paddler's body and paddle... the water "sees" a different surface and the kayak reacts differently as a result.
From a playboater's perspective, I am a fan of symmetrical bow and stern hulls. Symmetry minimizes the handling differences when front versus back surfing - indeed for all forms of paddling that can be done from more than one orientation. Some companies - notably Wavesport - have historically done a good job of achieving symmetrical hulls. The I:3's asymmetrical bow and stern hulls are thus something of a disappointment, at least for me.
But admittedly that's playboat viewpoint. The I:3 is intended to be a river runner, and river runners spend most of their time facing downriver moving along with the water. That's a very different environment than the one experienced by playboats doing park-and-play, and the I:3's hull design reflects it.
I'm emphasizing this primarily because of the I:3's label. That label is likely the only piece of technical or promotional literature many buyers will ever see as they wander around the showroom floor. This is why I mentioned above that I would have listed the "Designed Use" in the order Running, Playing, Instruction. Pyranha promotes the I:3 as being a river runner with some play potential, and the asymmetrical hull is a clear indication that running was prioritized over play. That's exactly as it should be, given the space in Pyranha's model line occupied by the I:3. My point is that its label conveys the opposite impression. Paddlers considering the I:3 should keep in mind that it is a runner first, and a player second.
However... what a player it is! Despite the asymmetrical hull, the I:3 is tons of fun on a wave or in a (reasonable) hole. Compared to other "playable river runners", the I:3 is both fast and loose. In just one of many examples, I dropped the I:3 onto a steep, trashy wave and wasn't surprised to find it in a nice stable front surf. What did surprise me was when I lifted my paddle out of the water... and the I:3 slowly rotated into a smooth sideways grind! Again, this was on a small, steep, trashy wave that I would not normally have considered a grind spot. But the I:3 knew better and once I stopped preventing it from doing what came naturally, it showed me what potential lay hidden in the wave - and in the I:3's hull. This was not the only time the I:3 surprised and impressed me like that.
Likewise, the I:3 knows how to enjoy a modest hole. By intent and design, there's too much volume in that bow and stern to permit more radical moves (at least for me) but corner spins were almost an autopilot experience. Put it in place, apply a little rotational momentum, and if you manage your edges and leans properly the I:3 will get you dizzy in a hurry.
As for hull speed, none of the usual complaints about attaining in an eddy apply here. The I:3's hull speed makes the most of every paddle stroke. The I:3 handles itself very nicely in wave trains and large rapids, with none of the proclivity to slow down on leading wave faces that is sometimes experienced by spud boats. Depending on what you tell it to do, the I:3 is equally happy riding up and over the waves or punching down and through them.
One topic worth addressing here is maneuverability. Many "river runners" are more stable along their longitudinal axis. Said another way, the I:3 feels a bit more "tippy" than some other models promoted to the same market. But trust me, that is a good thing. As planing hulls have become an across-the-lineup expectation, the width of river runners has increased and their edge-to-edge speed has decreased. This yields kayaks which feel "stable", but sacrifices responsiveness.
Not everyone needs an ultra-responsive river runner. Some paddlers are content to just float down the river in what amounts to a one-man raft, giving the occasional paddle stroke of directional guidance but otherwise enjoying a flat, predictable ride. And more power to them - there are a lot of ways to enjoy a river. But for those of us who are looking to be more intimately involved in the river running experience... those of us who wish to play a more active role in our journey... those of us who don't avoid but instead seek out the waves and the holes along the way... we need kayaks that can carve, quickly transition from edge to edge, and aggressively engage the water when commanded to do so. That's when we need maneuverability. And the I:3 delivers it.
The I:3's hull is ever so slightly rockered from side to side. This makes it somewhat more forgiving in side surfs and grinds, and also enhances the ease of edge to edge transitions.
One more comment about the stern. Look carefully at the swallowtail. Notice that the left "tail" looks a little longer than the right? That's no artifact of the photography... it really is a bit longer. I'm sure this is attributable to the normal variations in plastic shrinkage once the new kayak is removed from the mold.
Let's cover a few more of the I:3's exterior features.
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| Figure 8 | Figure 9 |
Figure 8 shows one of two grab loops. The webbing is stiffened so it doesn't collapse when wet. This insures that a swimmer will be able to quickly orient themselves and gain a solid grip on the webbing. Pyranha claims they are tested to over 2000 pounds of load.
Figure 9 illustrates one of two rescue points. Originally designed for the H:3 creekboats, these rescue points were designed in conjunction with D.M.M., a leading climbing equipment manufacturer. As I reported from OR2002 last August, these drop forged metal bars are rated to 33kN and will support over 1700 pounds. They are mounted over a deep, reinforced hull recess to permit easy access with a carabiner. Note the use of nonstandard mounting hardware; the rescue points can also be used as security bars, it being highly unlikely that the average thief will be carrying the precise tool necessary to loosen those screws.
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| Figure 10 | Figure 11 |
Figure 10 is a closeup of the I:3's kneebump. To be honest, the I:3 doesn't have the graceful lines of the river runners of yore. Remember the sleek lines of the Perception Dancer, how everything just flowed together? Modern river runners sacrifice that in favor of performance and functionality. Nowhere is that more evident on the I:3 than the kneebumps. These peaks erupt from the front deck like a rotomolded Mt. Everest. Frankly, the "look" doesn't exactly appeal to me... but you'll fall in love with those kneebumps when your legs enjoy all the room they provide. With proper outfitting of the footbrace and thighhooks (more about those below), the I:3 can accommodate a very wide range of paddlers and leg lengths. This makes the I:3 all the more suitable for instructional use (as its label suggests) or rental programs.
Figure 11 focuses on the front coaming area. It's a minor thing, but I noticed that the coaming on the I:3 seems especially tall. I can think of advantages and disadvantages associated with that design choice, but I can't say I noticed any on-the-water performance effects. It was just something I felt was worth mentioning.
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| Figure 12 | Figure 13 |
Figure 12 shows the top louvers (Pyranha calls them "gills") which are next to the I:3's cockpit. The official word is that these louvers provide a good grip area for entering and exiting the kayak. It may not have been Pyranha's intention, but I suspect their three dimensional profile also stiffens the plastic in this area - not a bad thing, since many paddlers lower themselves into a kayak by "standing" on their arms here. Constant flexing of this region would weaken the plastic over time, and these louvers will help reduce that.
Figure 13 shows the edge louvers on the I:3's stern. These are intended to maintain a "crisp carving edge" while permitting a smooth release of the water which is rushing by. Note that no such louvers appear on the bow - another asymmetric aspect of the I:3's design which reveals its primary design goal as a river runner intended to face forward most of the time. These edge louvers are quite subtle and don't seem to affect the I:3's performance in a back surf.
Let's move to the inside of the I:3, starting at the stern.
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| Figure 14 |
Figure 14 is a view within the I:3's stern, looking at the drain plug. You can see that the stern foam wall ends a few inches before the interior space. This aids with draining the kayak by permitting water to flow from the side opposite the drain plug.
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| Figure 15 | Figure 16 |
Figure 15 is a view of the backband. Note the crease and bend in (only) the lower right corner. That's obviously wrong and unintentional, but that's how it arrived.
As is commonplace today, the backband is held "up" with thin bungee cords suspended from the rear cockpit coaming. Pyranha thoughtfully includes a cablelock on each side (the right one is loosened and visible in Figure 16), rather than depending upon friction in the hole to hold the bungees in position.
This backband is new for 2003, and I'm already on record with the opinion that it's a step backward for Pyranha. Their 2002 backband was comfortable and did its job without reminding you it was there. That's how outfitting is supposed to work: Once it's right and you're in the kayak, your body should integrate with the boat without any component of the outfitting reminding you of its presence.
The most common complaint heard about the 2003 backband is "It pinches my butt". What happens is that as you work the boat, the backband presses down and pinches your skin against the rear of the seat. I first noticed this in the 2003 S:6 (which uses the same backband), and several of the paddlers who reviewed the I:3 mentioned it as well.
The "tribal lore" for fixing this problem is easy: Just turn the backband upside down. This causes the bump on the top of the backband (see Figure 15 again) to run into the back of the seat. By preventing a continuous bottom edge from reaching the seat, your skin is spared and the backband supports your lower back just as well.
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| Figure 17 |
Figure 17 shows the equipment clip loops, one each on either side behind the seat. These are far better and more reliable than clipping one's throwbag to the backband's bungee cords. They could have be a bit longer and thus more convenient, and I don't think the additional length would cause an entanglement issue.
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| Figure 18 | Figure 19 |
Figure 18 shows the I:3's seat. This is one of a couple of standardized seats currently offered by Pyranha. This one has the less aggressive "crotch pod" molded into the seat; their more aggressive seat used in their playboats has a removable/reshapable foam pod that sticks up quite a ways and is not covered by the seat pad.
The I:3's seat comes standard with the seat pad as shown. Some factory-equipped seat pads are secured in place with adhesive, while other manufacturers choose plastic rivets or other fasteners. Pyranha has done both. Not only is the center area of the seat held in place with adhesive, but the edges are held down with plastic rivets. A closeup of some of these rivets appears in Figure 19.
The rivets are nice, and probably help to prevent "roll up" of the pad edges. But I'm really glad Pyranha included adhesive under the seat. In some other kayaks I've reviewed recently where the pad was secured solely by fasteners, the seat pad could shift around too much. This may be less of an issue in a river running kayak than in a playboat (where your body moves can get pretty aggressive), but generally speaking the better integrated with the kayak you are the more control you'll have. I do not like to feel "sloppy" in a kayak, and the non-adhesive seat pads definitely permit you to slide around too much for my taste. That is not a problem in the I:3's seat, and I applaud Pyranha for using adhesives despite the fact that adhesives are often messy in a factory.
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| Figure 20 |
The seat mounts to the hull at one point on each side. Figure 20 shows the adjustable mounts that permit several inches of fore-aft movement. No tools are required. The little knob backs off with finger pressure, the toothed piece disengages from the rack, the rack moves with the seat, and then you tighten the toothed piece and knob to resecure the assembly. This takes more time to describe than to accomplish. Note that the pitch of the teeth permits rather fine adjustments.
Unless they're being adjusted, the seat adjustment assemblies reside behind specially-shaped foam blocks that can optionally double as mounting points for hip pads. There is some misinformation circulating about the proper procedure to remove and reinstall these foam blocks. Done properly, the blocks come out and go in easily; done improperly, they can be damaged and rendered unusable.
The following sequence of photos shows the proper way to install the foam block:
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| Figure 21 |
Start the reinstallation by inserting the foam block in a forward direction at an angle as shown in the first photo, gently pulling the thighhook out of the way if necessary. Next, straighten the block by rotating it in place until it gently "snaps" straight (second photo). Then, push the block toward the stern as far as it will go; very little pressure is required (as shown in the third photo, a single finger should be able to do it if things are aligned properly). When done, the block will be in position as shown in the fourth photo. Never in this process is excessive force required; check and correct the alignment and positioning if something feels "tight".
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| Figure 22 |
The I:3 incorporates Pyranha's "Synchro" outfitting system, which (I believe) is used across their entire whitewater product line. The foundation for Synchro is the strap and ratchet system. Figure 22 shows how the strap runs from the backband, through the hip pad mounts, and up to the ratchets which are integrated into the thighhooks.
Figure 16 (above) shows how the left and right straps come together at the backband. As they make their way forward, they next encounter the hip pad plate and a metal channel as shown here: |
| Figure 23 |
Figure 23 is a top view of the I:3's right hip pad mount. The strap comes from the backband (to the left), passes through a loop on the hip pad plate, routes through the metal channel which is firmly mounted to the hull, and then passes through another loop on the hip pad plate on its way to the ratchet (to the right). When the strap is taut or under tension, the hip pad mount snuggles down around the metal channel and thus gives the strap a nearly straight path.
Pyranha includes a generous amount of outfitting foam with new I:3's, including some shaped pieces that form the basis of hip pads. These can be glued to the hip pad plates, or (if you prefer) directly to the foam blocks which cover the seat mounts. Shape to your preference using sandpaper or DragonSkin and you're all set in the hip department.
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| Figure 24 |
Figure 24 is a "thigh's view" of the I:3's seat, thighhook, and strap path with the foam block, strap, and backband removed. The seat attachment assembly is visible in the center of the photo, and you can see how the seat and hull support each other at the edges (with foam) and in the center (with the seat rail). The metal channel through which the strap passes is clearly visible to the right of the thighhook.
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| Figure 25 |
The ratchet and thighhook complete the strap-based portion of the I:3's Synchro outfitting. Figure 25 shows the ratchet/thighhook assembly with the strap removed. The ratchet is the classic style with the central release button. The ratchets are so easy to operate that a child can do it - indeed, my child (our 14 month old son) had a great time ratcheting away while I was taking many of these photographs!
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| Figure 26 | Figure 27 |
Figure 26 shows the ratchet assembly's mounting surface which rests against the I:3's hull. Figure 27 shows the associated mounting area on the I:3 itself. The screw passes through the slot on the ratchet assembly, while a separate screw drops down through one of the holes in the cockpit coaming and into the threaded insert on the top of the ratchet assembly. This permits the thighhook (which is part of this assembly) to reside in one of five positions. Just remove the top screw, loosen the side screw, line up the threaded insert with a different top hole, and tighten everything.
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| Figure 28 |
Figure 28 provides the opposite view of Figure 27, this time with the ratchet assembly in place. The top and side screws are clearly visible. What is less clear is why Pyranha used two different kinds of screws here... to adjust the thighhook you need two types of screwdrivers, a Phillips and a flat blade. (It's actually even worse than this, as we'll see shortly.)
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| Figure 29 |
Figure 29 shows the underside of the thighhook and its two adjustment screws. By loosening the screws, the thighhook can be rotated around your thigh to give you an adjustable degree of retention.
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| Figure 30 | Figure 31 |
Figures 30 and 31 are closeups of the thighhook in its most aggressive (30) and least aggressive (31) positions. If you look below the ratchet assembly, you can see how the outer edge of the thighhook rotates around your leg as the setting is altered.
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| Figure 32 |
Figure 32 shows a "crotch view" of the most aggressive (left) and least aggressive (right) thighhook positions.
The choice of thighhook adjustment is a very personal one. Some people get a little claustrophobic with aggressive thighhooks and have a real fear of entrapment. Others (like me) prefer to be as tightly integrated with their kayak as is painlessly possible. What's nice about the I:3's setup is that you can dial it in to whatever setting you prefer without making a permanent choice - you can always loosen the screws and change it again if you find a new setting isn't to your liking (or you want to loan your kayak to someone else).
Speaking of adjustments, did you notice that the thighhooks use hex-headed screws? That's right - we have a third type of screw in use here! You need to carry three separate tools to adjust all components of the I:3 outfitting system. As I've said elsewhere, with all the standardized hardware in the world you'd think Pyranha could have found three fasteners that could share a single tool.
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| Figure 33 |
Figure 33 is another shot from our exclusive "CrotchCam". In the foreground you can see the seat rail and the bungee cord for the water bottle or sponge (both of which are included with the I:3). One minor complaint: I wish Pyranha would move that bungee cord aft a few inches. It's positioned so far forward that it grabs near the end of the water bottle - and if you roll or pull any vertical moves the water bottle often drops free of the bungee and can end up rattling around under your legs. You can easily redrill the seat rail and move the bungee yourself, but it would be nice to receive it that way from the factory.
Farther forward in Figure 33 you can see the footblock. This plastic piece provides the foundation upon which layers of adhesive backed minicell foam, again included in the I:3's fit kit, can be mounted.
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| Figure 34 |
Figure 34 provides a closeup "foot view" of the footblock and bow wall. Like the stern wall, the bow wall stops short and leaves a gap. The purpose here is to permit the removal and reinstallation of the footblock. The strap in the photo is attached to the footblock; by pulling on the strap the footblock can be snapped out and removed. This makes working on your foot foam far more convenient, and also permits the permanent removal of the footblock if your feet need even more room or if (like me) you prefer to carve your own footblocks out of monolithic blocks of minicell foam for the ultimate in personalized comfort.
Figure 34 also shows the heel relief which is already carved into the bow wall. You can increase that cutaway if necessary to afford your feet even more room.
When you combine the high-profile kneebumps, the removable footblock, and the expandable heel relief, it becomes clear that the I:3 can accommodate a very wide range of paddler sizes and leg lengths.
The I:3 is lots of fun on fast, shallow waves. Its hull speed takes advantage of fast-moving water and planes right up. It was possible to carve back and forth, and even grind a bit, on ridiculously small glassy waves that other kayaks couldn't even stay on (I know, because I asked other paddlers to get and stay on such waves and they couldn't do it).
As mentioned previously, the I:3 is quick from edge to edge. This "tippiness" is an asset if you know it's there and use it to your advantage. Those who have adopted a relaxed attitude about river running and rely too heavily on wide, slow, planing hulls to keep them upright, may find themselves resharpening their skills. And, frankly, that's not a bad thing in its own right.
Both the hull speed and the edge-to-edge speed were probably enhanced by the fact that I was in the 222 (middle) size. Technically and physically, I could fit into the 221 - and doing so would probably have made it easier to "throw it around". However, the I:3 is intended to be a river runner and for that purpose it's better to have a higher planing-surface-to-paddler-weight ratio. The results, as reported herein, speak for themselves and I would recommend "going larger" if you're in the upper half of a given size's recommended weight range.
Can the I:3 "play", in the modern sense of the word? Yes. It will cartwheel and flatwheel, with effort. It loves to spin on waves and in holes. Double-pumps are possible. But you won't be gracefully bowstalling it anytime soon, and eddyline stern squirts aren't its strongest suit. In short, it has enough play potential to make a river run interesting.
Pyranha wasn't kidding when they included "instruction" on the I:3's label. During this review I used the I:3 to teach a teenage girl to roll, and she mastered her roll faster than with any other kayak I've used. Granted, part of that may be the student... but once she was proficient I traded kayaks with her for a while and it was then that I fully realized just how friendly the I:3 is as a learning platform.
Who is the ideal I:3 paddler?
Actually, there are several correct answers to that question. As noted above, beginners do very well in the I:3 and it will ride their learning curve with them for several seasons. Likewise, intermediates and seasoned paddlers will find a lot to like here if they keep an open mind and get past the possible "first impression" issue that I faced.
The category of paddler that might be disappointed with the I:3 would be one who wants a single kayak for all purposes. Frankly, there's no such boat: You can't simultaneously optimize for play and for running because the design parameters oppose each other. There are probably a few kayaks out there, that are more park-and-play and less river-runner, which might prove better single-boat choices than the I:3. But let's face it, anyone who really gets into broad-spectrumed whitewater is going to eventually have multiple kayaks anyway (or be very frustrated most of the time).
Is the I:3 perfect? No. Sprinkled throughout this review you'll find my concerns, suggestions for improvements, and (in the case of the "three tools" problem) complete bafflement. But it's intended to be a river runner, it knows what it's supposed to do, and it does that exceptionally well. With all of the emphasis on playboats in recent years, it was really nice to paddle a freshly designed kayak intended to punch through waves and holes rather than just catch and play on them. That's how I started kayaking over 15 years ago and it's still a lot of fun!
Finally, consider this: I didn't like the I:3 when it first arrived. It's common knowledge in the kayaking community that I'm a huge fan of Pyranha's S:6. My love affair with the S:6 started the moment it touched water. But, somehow, the I:3 just didn't work for me at first. It looked strange, it paddled differently than other river runners... the overall "package" just felt wrong. Nevertheless, I put on my Engineer hat and shifted into "full objective" mode. I spent more and more hours in the I:3, taking it out in various water conditions. I also involved several other paddlers of varying skill levels as insurance against any lingering bias I might have.
And the more time I spent with it, the better I liked it. I felt how I had become improperly accustomed to playboat design features in a river-running situation. I saw how others did really well with the I:3. I watched a beginner take the I:3 and "catch the kayaking bug" faster than any other student. The evidence just kept pouring in.
It seems to me that the highest complement one can pay is to end up really liking something when you started out disliking it. I'm honest enough to admit I'm pretty opinionated, and to begin with a negative bias yet end up with a positive one speaks volumes about just how good the I:3 really is. If you're in the market for a kayak that is primarily a river runner, but you want some serious play potential too (particularly in the surfing department), you'd be foolish to spend your money before demoing the I:3.
Richard L. Hartman is an Engineer and freelance reviewer of whitewater equipment whose articles appear in a variety of online and print media. To provide equipment for review or inquire about hosting Richard's reviews on your site, send email to richard [at] richardhartman [dot] net. Article and photographs (except for Figure 1) are Copyright 2003 by Richard L. Hartman, Spokane WA USA. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. This article may be referenced by a web hyperlink if done so in its entirety.