(Photo Copyright: Dave Hoffman)
Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Wave Sport's Recon. Soon to be released, the Recon comes in 70, 83, and 93 gallons. I have had the opportunity to play with the Recon 70 on the steep creeks of the Northwest, and can say with confidence that the Recon is a game-changer, and is soon to be the best creeker on the market!
The Recon 70 is the smaller brother to the Recon 83, and 93. It's 7' 9", 70 gallons (prototype), and built as a creeker for paddlers 80-150 lbs.
Agile and forgiving, the Recon is sporty, and easy to paddle. It's maneuverable and responsive, and gives me the confidence to paddle harder rapids. The boat drives a line, goes where you want it to go, and carves aggressively when you want it or need it. The Recon gets up to speed quickly, and carries that speed well as it glides through the water. It's great on steep creeks, technical boulder gardens, and big water rapids.
Dropping into a technical rapid (Photo Copyright: Dave Hoffman)
Lastly, the Recon boofs big, and resurfaces fast and straight with speed- a very handy feature. All in all, it is a very stable boat, both primary/secondary, and is very predictable in its movements. Exactly what you want in a creeker!
Volume is well distributed, and does not get in the way of your paddling. Should be a great boat for overnight trips as well with it's large, easy to access stern. New this year are two new colors: Hornet and Cherry Bomb!
(Photo Copyright: Dave Hoffman)
I've had the opportunity to paddle the Recon on some of the steep creeks of the Northwest, and can say with confidence that the Recon is a game-changer, and is soon to be the best creeker on the market!
The new CORE Whiteout Outfitting is second to none. The seat itself is a tank-style creek-seat which features an adjustable ratchet leg-lifter, a key feature allowing paddlers to get their legs right up into the thigh braces for better control and performance. It features Wave Sport's ratchet backband, adjustable thigh braces, and hip pads, as well as newly updated security bars. More specifically, the Recon features 3 security grab handles, 2 security bars, and 2 soft grip security handles. These soft-grip handles, one at the bow-one at the stern, will be great in the winter when the weather gets cold and aluminum grab loops can be hard on the hands. Wave Sport has added multiple new tie down points in the stern, as well as a quick fore/aft seat adjustment system. Lastly, the foot bulkhead has been redesigned with safety in mind. The bulkhead is "expandable" as in other Wave Sport kayaks, however, has been redesigned to complete seal off the front of the kayak and prevent any foot jamming behind the foot-braces. The foot foam is also pre-cut thicker at the heels than at the toes, putting your ankles in a more neutral position than previously. Here's to less ankle-breaking pitons! Not to mention a safety step-out front pillar with a handy grip at the back. The new CORE outfitting is extremely comfortable, easy to use, and AWESOME.
Keep a look at at your local stores for the new Recon Series!
Happy Paddling,
Kim Russell