Sorry, I’m alive, didn’t have time last week for the testing..

Managed to get out for it’s maiden voyage today, thought a bit of surf, off shore wind and no lifeguard cover would be a good test…

Vid: https://vimeo.com/364510145

Fairly terrifying/super fun in the surf, not so much of case of catching a wave, more the wave catching you!

Paddling position is a little odd in that you are very low in the water and have to make sure the paddle goes in very close to the raft as it turns on a dime, will be great fun on river whitewater.

Lack of spray-deck is a bit of an issue in the surf, fills up quickly which needs to be emptied after each big wave. All in, pretty pleased!

To answer a couple of questions I missed:

can I ask where you got the material?

https://www.rivertex.com/en/
HT200 fabric

how much does the life jacket weight?

Cheapo 50N Helly Hansen jacket is around 500g, better white water style is a bit more but has some decent pockets/features.

👍

Great thread. If only to realise planet x do cheap 4 part paddles