The Global Paddling Community

In the past 12 months we have seen an explosion in kayak production with last year's playboat becoming this years river runner. This may be set to change with the new range of almost site specific boats from the UK manufacturer Pyranha... [ this page contains lots of pictures and might be slow to download, please be patient ! ]

In short they have taken this concept and put together the 'S Series' of three performance specific play designs, each in two sizes. Each one is designed to enhance its performance in key areas. They are all going to be made out of the new Meta-lite material which has improved impact strength, it is also stiffer and lighter (saving of about 1.5kgs (3.3lbs) per boat ).

Designed for 'Fast Aggressive Play' this is the mad little baby in the family. This is looking good for steep dynamic holes and waves and also shallow rivers.

Pyranha Soundbyte:

"The S6 is our lightest ever boat at 14.2kgs (31.2lbs) and incorporates some of the very latest features: Super lose hull, swallow tail to help maintain carving length, 22deg of bow rocker and 19 in the tail to assist hopping for those aerials and our Power Pocket on the front and rear deck to assist you in getting BIG air for super high loops! Super short for fast dynamic work on waves and lightning quick cartwheels and not forgetting shallow water playing too! Super XR ratchet backrest system and our new vac formed play seat system gives you the ability to control and adjust the trim of the boat with precision and stay comfortable. Available in two sizes. The "190" for small to medium paddlers and the "200" for medium to larger paddlers. The S6 is dynamic!"

S6 specs:

* on pre-production models.

S6 gallery

[Click to enlarge]

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At PLAYAK, we have managed to get our hands on one of the first production S6's from Pyranha for a full test. Watch this space for an independent (!) review very soon. In the meantime, have a look at what Allan Ellard (Team Pyranha) thinks of the S6 on the White Water Warriors Website.

You already now this boat as the Sub7, but now it slots well into the range as a boat designed for 'All-round River Play'. Interestingly, talk of a larger '3 Ball' has now been abandonned and it is just going to be the 'S7/1' for small to medium paddlers and the 'S7/2' for medium to larger paddlers.

S7 specs:

S7 gallery

[Click to enlarge]

This replacement for the very popular Pro-zone finished off the 'S Series' as it is designed for 'Super Smooth Play'. Taking off from its predecessor it is designed to nail the moves with speed and precision. Again it will be available in 225 and 235 sizes.

Pyranha Soundbyte:

"Consistent rocker for fast surfing and carving, super slicy ends combined with smooth volume transition throughout the boat give consistent, controlled and impressive vertical sequences. Swallowtail gives you an even longer, faster carving rail. Foot tunnels for increased foot and legroom. Also fitted with the Super XR ratchet backrest system and our new vac formed play seat system gives you the ability to control the trim of boat with precision and still stay comfortable"

S8 specs:

* on pre-production models.

S8 gallery

[Click to enlarge]