The idea of switching boat sponsors was no easy feat. It’s not just about the boats you paddle; it’s the relationships built and trust developed within a company. Was I willing to start from scratch at a new company? And how do I know I made the right choice? What if, after all that, I chose wrong, and I’m stuck, losing something good, but gaining nothing? Hindsight is 20/20, and sometimes you have to take a leap of faith. Having only spent a week with Pyranha, I can already say I am stoked to have made the switch.
It is ironic that when I decided to make the switch to Pyranha, it was almost entirely for one kayak. Pyranha is well known for frequently releasing the most different kayaks. They are always innovating and looking to create the best designs for every kind of kayaker. As someone who loves all things kayaking, having an epic option for every style of whitewater excites me a lot. However, it was the ReactR that sold me on making the move.
In the last few years, I shifted away from freestyle and toward creek boating. I’ve learnt a lot during this journey, and I’ve pushed myself hard. I feel I am still on an upward trajectory, and I am stoked to see where it takes me. I have some big goals for 2026 (one of which I have already ticked off! Stoked!), and when I think about these drops/rivers, I want to be as safe and easy as possible. The last thing I want is doubt in my mind that I am paddling a boat where I might blow my angles, or the plastic might explode hitting rocks.
I spent some time in both the Small and Medium ReactR in Soca this spring. I am 165 cm short and around 70 kg these days. I know lots of ladies my size absolutely love their Small ReactR, but I personally found it a little too small. I’d love to give it another chance, as I can imagine it would be an epic, playful creek boat in easier whitewater. But when I’m scared, I want to paddle something a bit bigger that I still feel in control of. My first impression of the Medium ReactR was exactly that – easy to paddle, easy to boof, easy to stay in control. Nothing more, nothing less. I wasn’t completely sold until I got to hang out with Pyranha team paddler Rhys Thomson on the Kaituna. Rhys is an outfitting ninja, and paddling his ReactR felt game-changing. A playful, pivoty hull, edges I could throw around, kickflips and boofs like a treat. I fell in love. The ReactR went from “safe and predictable”, to “fun and playful”. The combination is a dream for me.
So, I made the switch and flew my shiny new kayak to Mexico. Our first day brought a storm, and absolutely no warmup. My first strokes were on Truchas – a stout, close-to-200ft rappel into a stunning 50ft waterfall. That set the tone of the trip, all guns blazing. The next few days consisted of Twisted Pleasure, Dirty Sanchez, the rest of the Lower Jalacingo, a couple laps of Tomata 1 and finishing it all off with Tomata 2. A big first week for the boat! The ReactR handled waterfalls even better than I imagined. I find it incredibly easy to set my angles in this kayak. Tricky lead-ins, bow up, or down, it is easy to stay in control and make sure I have soft landings.
I am excited to continue to travel with this boat and see where else it thrives. I can imagine it is also an epic, big-volume kayak. I’m also excited to get my hands on the rest of the Pyranha quiver when I am back in Europe later this spring. Some half-slicing joy on the Soca River in the upcoming Storm sounds like quite the treat!