FAQ
Q: Whoa, what kind of boat is that?
A: It's an OC-1 freestyle boat. Think canoe crossed with playboat.
Q: What about shipping?
A: Shipping is extra. Shipping cost will depend on a number of factors, including where you are, what the closest freight terminal is, etc. I'll do my best and work with you to balance cost and convenience. I also travel a lot, and go to a lot of river festivals, so dropping boats off is a real possibility, especially if there are several people in an area who want one.
Q: What's with the downward slope on the ends of the open area?
A: The International Canoe Federation (ICF) regulations for OC-1 freestyle boats say it has to have an open depth of 40cm for a length of 80cm. Beyond that, the open area slopes down to make the boat slicier- easier to cartwheel and blunt and pull moves through.
Q: Why not just make the open area shorter?
A: It's an OC-1. That mean "Open Canoe." I wanted to stay at least a little bit true to that.
Q: Can I put a sprayskirt on it?
A: No. See above.
Q: Can i get it on in blue (green, red, purple, etc.)?
A: Funny thing about that. Plastic comes in about 900lb boxes. The boats are done in small runs and getting one box was enough of a challenge, so getting a small amount of various colors was out of the question. If there are future batches, they'll probably be in different colors.
Q: Can I get a prodeal/discount/free boat for being a really good paddler/instructor/nice guy/friend of yours?
A: Unfortunately, no. As someone who has played the sponsorship game, it's hard for me to turn people down, but because the limited-run nature of the how the boats are produced, I really can't cut deals on them.
Q: Is there really a market for these boats?
A: Isn't that kind of a silly question to ask me? Obviously I think so, if I'm going through the trouble of making them. It's a small market though.
Q: What about a composite version?
A: Yes, it'll happen. Right now I'm more focused on the plastic version, but you will be able to get a composite one if you want.
Q: Any plans for other boats?
A: I have some ideas for other fun canoes, but that'll depend on the response to this boat.
