Zephyr vs Pueo

jpi92109

Can anyone give me some comparison notes between these two canoes as far as how they surf? Im thinking about a Pueo and would like to know how a Pueo compares in the surf, technically speaking. Thanks for any input.

Submitted by jpi92109 on Tue, 05/05/2009 - 10:35pm

paddlefast

what is your weight? Where do you normally paddle? Try various canoes before you buy-experience what works best for your paddling style, etc. Try the Pueo, Zephyr, Scorpius and other canoes. Then you decide.

#1 Tue, 05/05/2009 - 10:45pm

jpi92109

Sorry for not giving more info. I paddle in Hawaii. I weigh 160. I currently own a Zephyr. Ive read all the info on the Pueo and will demo one next week but im curious how it handles in the surf compared to a Zephyr. My Zephyr is very good at getting over a wave and shooting to the next and very comfortable while on a wave. Its not quite as forgiving in the surf as a Scorpius but for me if your in the right spot and pointed the right way the Zephyr surfs just as good as a Scorp but if your not lined up just right you wont get as much out of the wave as compared to a Scorpius which seemed to be able to catch a wave now matter how you start out. This is just what I noticed and im not the most experienced paddler out there by any means. Ive heard that a Pueo is also very good at topping waves and getting to the next one as well. Thanks again.

#2 Tue, 05/05/2009 - 11:00pm

paddlefast

At 160 the Pueo is good but for your size the Pegasus works great in the surf - very responsive! I am also about 160 lbs. Turns all over the face of the wave. Doesn't pearl much if you know how to surf and stay up on the wave.The Pegasus for my paddling ability is more forgiving and as I enjoy surf conditions and not paddling in flat conditions, the Pegasus is the canoe for me. I find the Zephyr too big , same for Scorpius although I have seen some people my size or smaller move the Scorpius very well like Felip Gomes on Maui. He's a very good paddler, not me so it is again the paddler who makes the most difference. Try them all and then buy what works best for you. Have fun!

#3 Wed, 05/06/2009 - 2:08pm

jpi92109

Not interested in a Pegasus. Had one and id rather keep my Zephyr. Im really just trying to get input from someone who has a little time on both canoes and what they noticed as differences between the 2 in the surf.

#4 Wed, 05/06/2009 - 3:09pm

JULZ87

Ask pakechris. He had a zephyr and now owns a pueo.

#5 Wed, 05/06/2009 - 5:34pm

paddlefast

John - Kona waters, occasional surf- Pueo should do fine. Most important to dial in a particular canoe and settle in. Each canoe paddles different and it is important to find the zone. Good luck.

#6 Wed, 05/06/2009 - 8:29pm

pakechris

i went from a zephyr to a pueo and have nothing bad to say about either boat.
The Zephyr is a great boat for medium to big gnarly surf. Also very good upwind, especially in the eastside waters. I hover around 220 lbs and thought i wouldnt be able to ride a pueo but was pleasantly suprised after doing the coast guard race with the demo and was sold. The pueo is excellent in flat to med surf and can handle big stuff with some technical paddling. It really comes down to what kind of paddler you are. When I got into shape I felt like I was moving the zephyr fairly well and the boat was really comfortable. I switched to the pueo because it also was very comfortable and my zephyr was in a unfortunate non-paddling related accident. Both are extremely well built boats and I wish I could have both of them... good luck

#7 Wed, 05/06/2009 - 10:39pm

jpi92109

Right on, thanks for all the input guys.

#8 Thu, 05/07/2009 - 11:17pm