I joined James Burleson and Trin McAlister for a 1,000 CFS Nolichucky Gorge run this past weekend. James brought his brand new Medium Gnarvana to paddle for his first time on this river run. We ran every slot move and boof we could find down the run to see how the new design would do… Some good boofs were had and glorious skips followed building confidence down the river!

Non-Sponsored Paddler Specs:
Weight = 195 lbs
Height = 6’-0”
Inseam = 33”
Shoe Size = 10.5

James take on the medium Gnarvana,

“I bought the new Gnarvana from the NOC as an impulse purchase last Saturday (9/3/22). I had seen the new videos, but really wasn’t in the market. When I saw it in the store and looked at the new design, I was intrigued. After loading it onto the vehicle, I quickly had many paddlers attention with lots of questions I couldn’t answer yet…

As soon as I got on the water at the Noli, I could tell it was very stable. Getting it up on edge I found the secondary stability excellent. It was one of the easiest boats I have ever rolled. Once we took off into the Nolichucky Gorge, I felt like I was sitting quite a bit higher out of the water which felt kind of awkward, but I settled in quickly.

My second outing with the boat was on Wilson Creek. This was where the boat really shinned. Boofing holes and skipping across was the best I have experienced. Making quick adjustments at the lip of a drop was effortless. This was my personal highest level on Wilson (0” – solid medium level), and the boat served me well in its natural realm.

Really the only thing I am unsure of is the boat seems to be a little harder than I am use to getting up to speed.

We are now in the market for a second one.”

James made the mistake of letting his wife take a lap in the new Gnarvana on Wilson Creek Sunday evening… She is now taking his pink boat for herself. Buyer beware that significant others may take your awesome new boat if you let them try it!

After seeing this new design in action live for myself, I’m really stoked to try the Large Gnarvana when it becomes available!