How I love my new Star – let me count the ways

August 9, 2009

By Jessie Stone

How I love my new Star – let me count the ways…

So this new boat is the best boat I have ever paddled! It is just amazing. Very well balanced and comfortable, I can’t believe my luck to get to paddle this boat and now especially for Worlds. Although it is shorter than my previous Star, it is much faster on a wave and it gracefully navigates tough ferries making you feel like you have a turbo prop in your boat. The bow goes through even easier than the older model Star. Blunting, Cartwheeling and bow stalling are easier than ever. And with 1 extra gallon of volume the boat is more retentive in waves and holes. It feels easier to get the boat to release when you are helixing or felixing or flip turning so it allows the moves to go through faster. And it is a very comfortable and stable river runner.

Like any new boat, when you first paddle it, the new boat feels different than what you were used to – I have been paddling my Star for several years so I was very used to how that boat handled. I admit I may be additionally lucky because I am the perfect size for the Star at 135 pounds with a 30” inseam, but within one day of paddling the new Star, I was used to it. For all you skeptics out there, please get out and try for yourself – I guarantee that you will have a big smile on your face and some tired muscles after you play your brains out. Maybe even a little oxygen deprivation after you get so much air on your loops and other tricks. Did I mention that the boat loops even easier than the older model Star? It is going to make it easier for you to learn whatever tricks you want. The main thing is that you are going to have even more fun than before and at the end of the day, isn’t that what we all want?? Enjoy the ride!