Zebra & Franklin – Thank so much all the valuable input. I've been doing quite a bit of research lately and have pretty-much narrowed it down to the s1-x special. May push the order button today actually.

Franklin - I'll definitely give you a buzz when I make it your way -- (I actually received a job application today for a position in Flagler County… are you close to there?) Moreover, we would love to have you all down here as well. Check out the Phatwater Challenge info I posted under the "Events" section. 42 mile race down ole muddy... We'd love to have you (all of you on here!). Looks like Oscar C. is coming this year too. It's a great race and a fun time is to be had by all.

Hi Leao
Flagler County is abutting and just south of St. Johns County (where I live). You will love it here. The people are very friendly and the economy has always been more resilient than the rest of the county. Great places to paddle too.
I once had dinner with Greg B and Big Oscar. It was at a cookout with our club, Florida Sea Kayaking Association, Inc. I always smile when I think about that dinner. They were both very nice and if you didn't know who they were, you'd think they just worked at a kayak shop. Imagine having dinner with Tiger Woods and getting to ask him questions? Unbelievable that the top guys are always so approachable and helpful!
I love my Think Evo. You should definitely look at that boat before buying. It is fast, stable, light (mine weighs 25.5 pounds), VERY comfortable and it is artwork to look at.
On the other hand, my buddy has the Special. It too was light, comfortable and a work of art. It seemed very stable BUT I only paddled it in flat water. Note: the wind is blowing 25-30 today. The waves in the river will be 3-4 ft. I love going out in those kind of conditions. My Evo is a blast. Not sure I'd "be da man" on an Elite boat? More than likely, I'd "be da swimmer"!
Testing boats is fun. Make sure you try the Think boats, the Epic boats and Fenns before you buy! The Hukis are VERY expensive. The trying/hunt is half the fun!
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Try and come over...if it's not too far and try some boats!
Best regards
Frankin

Thanks Franklin - Well, my buddy and I have been looking for someone (or some place) not so far from here where we could try-out a few boats before we buy, in particular:

Think Evo & Ledgend
Huki S1-X Special
Fenn Elite

In addition to the Phatwater Challenge, keep in mind the ultra-marathon race, the Missouri River 340 next summer. This year it was dominated by Carter Johnson paddling a Huki. However, my friend just sold his Huki and picked up a Think Evo. I think he's much happier with his Evo. He raced the Huko S1X in the MR340 and sold it shortly after that to buy the Evo. Read into that what you will.

I, too, have been trying to descide between the V10S, the Finn XT and the Think Evo. I'm all ears about what you find out and what you purchase and why. I've paddled the V10S and loved to be in it (would need hip pads, however). I haven't paddled either of the other two (hard to find skis in Kansas City).

You can find information about the Missouri River 340 non-stop paddle race at www.rivermiles.com

Cheers,
Dan