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A half-slice kayak is a type of whitewater kayak that combines features of both full-slice playboats and modern river runners. The term “half-slice” refers to the kayak's low-volume stern (rear) and higher-volume bow (front), essentially a cross between the 2, or a hybrid.
Key Features:
● Low-volume, slicey stern: Allows for playful moves like stern stalls, splats and endless taliees
● High-volume, buoyant bow: A high, bigger volume bow helps punch through / over waves and holes, giving better control and forgiveness in rapids.
● Planing hull: Many have a flat bottom for surfing waves and quick manoeuvrability, some have rails, whilst some don’t.
● Short to medium length: Generally around 7 to 9 feet (2.1 to 2.7m).
Designed For:
● Whitewater paddlers who want a kayak that’s both fun and playful, yet still capable of running rivers with moderate technicality.
● Intermediate to advanced paddlers, although some beginner-friendly models exist.
Half-Slice vs Full-Slice:
|
Feature |
Half-Slice |
Full-Slice |
|
Stern volume |
Low |
Very low |
|
Bow volume |
Medium to high |
Low |
|
River capability |
More forgiving, better downriver |
Less forgiving, pure play |
|
Play potential |
High (stern focused) |
Very high (stern + bow) |
Popular Half-Slice Models:
● Pyranha Ripper / Ripper 2
● Dagger Rewind
● Pyranha Firecracker
● EXO Zion Slalom
● Lettmann Machete
● ZET Ninja 2
● Jackson Antix
● EXO Party Rexy
● Waka Steeze
● Liquidlogic Party Braaap or RMX
Some half-slice kayaks are definitely better for river running than others, a lot depends on the balance between playfulness and stability/performance in rapids.
Key Factors That Affect River Running Capability in a Half-Slice:
1. Bow Volume
● More bow volume: better for punching through holes, resurfacing quickly, and staying on line.
● Lower bow volume: more playful but more prone to diving or getting knocked off course.
2. Hull Design
● Planing hulls: are more playful and surfy but can be less stable in big water.
● Displacement hulls: offer smoother tracking and better boofing but less play.
3. Length and Rocker Profile
● Longer boats with more rocker: handle better in bigger rapids, carry speed, and boof well.
● Shorter or flatter boats: are more nimble and better for tight creeks and play but can lose speed or control in pushy water.
Comparison of Popular Half-Slice Kayaks for River Running
|
Kayak |
|
|
Notes |
|
Dagger Rewind |
|
|
Very stable bow, fast and forgiving; excellent for downriver creeking and pushy water. |
|
Pyranha Ripper 2
EXO Zion Slalom |
|
|
Playful yet capable; great all-rounder. Longer and more rocker than the original Ripper. Strong river running capabilities with tons of bow and stern rocker, with carefully tuned and forgiving edges. Less playful unless on stronger eddy lines. |
|
Jackson Antix 2.0
Lettmann Machete
EXO Party Rexy |
|
|
Very playful with decent river running; shorter and great for small to medium rivers.
An incredible all-rounder. Fun, low volume stern for tailiees with plenty of rocker and lots of volume in the bow. Great for beginner whitewater paddlers due to it’s round hull and manoeuvrability. The soft edges down engage too much on eddy lines helping paddlers to develop confidence. There’s still plenty of fun to be had with the stern on moving water. |
|
Waka Steeze |
|
|
Designed more like a creeker with a slicey stern; excellent in steep, challenging rivers. |
|
Liquidlogic RMX (Half-Slice build) |
|
|
More stability and comfort than play — great if your focus is big water and control. |
|
Pyranha Firecracker |
|
|
Very playful, compact, but less suited for serious river running due to its short length and low volume. |
In Summary:
A half-slice kayak is ideal if you want to play your way down the river, maybe some surfing, tailees, stern stalls, and rock splat moves with the ability to navigate technical whitewater confidently.
If you're prioritising river running (especially on harder or steeper water), look for:
● A higher-volume bow (like on the Rewind or Steeze)
● A bit more length and rocker
● A balance between play potential and downriver stability
If you're mostly paddling class II–III Rivers and want to throw in play moves, then a more playful half-slice like the Pyranha Firecracker, Antix 2.0 or Ripper 2 may be ideal.
Let us know what kind of rivers you're paddling and I can suggest the best fit for your needs.
