One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been the reemergence of half-slice kayaks. These boats offer a unique combination of speed, maneuverability, and stability, making them a great choice for a wide range of paddlers and whitewater conditions. Nothing quite like a confidence-inspiring bow with a stern that has you recklessly vertical on your home run!
Here is our take on the most popular half-slice kayaks on the market today.
Jackson Kayak Antix 2.0
The Antix 2.0 has been our best selling half-slice kayak in the last 4 years! Merging the world of playboating and river running, it comes to life in shallow rivers where longer full slices would hit the river bottom. With its wide, stable platform and responsive hull, this boat is a great choice for paddlers who want to carve turns, surf waves, and throw down in the hole. The Antix 2.0 also features Jackson Kayak's popular Uni-Shock outfitting system, which provides a comfortable and secure fit while being able to adjust on the fly.
Pyranha Ripper 2
For several years following its release, the original Ripper set the bar for half slice kayaks. Taking the little bit of room left for improvement here is the Ripper 2!
This quiver killer is a fast and nimble kayak that's designed for paddlers who want to push the limits on the river. With a planning hull, tucked sharp edges and rocker profile bigger than your granny’s rocking chair, this boat is easy to turn and surf, all making it a great choice for technical rapids and stern squirting the local creek. We’ve found that folks are sizing it up and using the Large as a playable creeker with a slicey stern, just in case you get stuck in a hole. The Ripper 2 rounds out arguably the most complete line in the industry--well done Pyranha!
Liquidlogic Hotwhip
“The boat is undeniably good! It splats, stern stalls, surfs great, while running the river surprisingly well.” - Branden Baltich
Designed to be a playful and responsive kayak that meets the needs of beginner, intermediate and advanced paddlers, the Hot Whip checks all the boxes. With a unique, wide planing hull and aggressive rocker profile, this boat is easy to spin and surf, making it a great choice to learn stern squirts and fly off boofs!
Liquidlogic Sweet Ride
This confidence inspiring river runner has the DNA of the RMX with a side of play. The Sweet Ride has a wide, stable, forgiving hull and moderate rocker profile, making this boat easy to paddle and control. Unlike some of the others on this blog, it tends to help you slow things down and make moves count. The stern can be squirted with appropriate technique and is perfect for a lean rocket boof! Liquidlogic is in for a great year with its two new half-slice options.
Dagger Rewind
Last but definitely not least, the Dagger Rewind bridges the gap between the sportiness of the Ripper 2 and the ease of paddling of the Antix 2. Playful, responsive, and incredibly stable, this boat ends up being the perfect intermediate paddler's first half slice! Add in Daggers Contour Ergo outfitting and you’ve got a Gauley stern squirting machine.
I cannot think of a better time to be a whitewater kayaker with all of the capable half-slice options. Whether you're looking for speed, maneuverability, stability, or all of the above, there's a half-slice kayak out there that's perfect for you. So grab your paddle, hop in your boat, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure on the river by getting recklessly vertical!