With shorter to medium sized paddlers wanting a more aggressive thigh hook in many Pyranha boats, the company has introduced a new offering called the “Hooker.” Judah Harms, a ripping and upcoming paddler based on the banks of the Skykomish River, has described the new offering as a great way to feel more connected to the boat. He feels you can engage an edge easier, and lift up your knee to boof or cut hard while surfing with more youthful-like-him vigor.
Note: Be wary for creeking purposes, though, as you may not be able to exit your craft quite as easily and quickly. Judah’s Dad Mike Harms indicated that they “may not be the best idea for creeking” but in a Ripper or Ozone or Jed, you really feel like part of the boat and can edge harder and are locked in.
Check out the video Paddling Life shot up in Index, Wash., after a lap on the Main Skykomish of Judah walking us through the added offering.
At just 16 years old Judah has been boating for 10 years and gets more days in a boat than most, making water time a priority. In fact, he is more put together, thoughtful and humble than any 16 year old we’ve ever met. As an honors society student and a student of whitewater, watch out for him in the future. This kid has his driver’s license and has already been ripping the top Tye and Robe Canyon of the Stilliquamish, when not on his backyard run the NF or Main Skykomish river.
(Photos courtesy AJ Frank)