Outfitting a Rock Star 4.0 Freestyle Kayak- insider tips

I can't stress the importance of just about every aspect of your outfitting if you want to be comfortable and have the boat perform like it should. Lots of little nuances revealed here that make a big difference. I focused on what I assume you don't know, but left a couple of seemingly obvious things alone (like how to move the seat and add hip pad shims).... I hope you find this helpful!

[andydainty]

Hi Eric,
Great video, stoked that you are doing a new series and sharing your knowledge.
As a newish kayaker I found your previous videos covering the basics, draw strokes, bracing and rolling a great help. However the video quality was a little poor.
Be great if you could redo some of the previous content again.
Also if you have any Zen's laying around spare I would love to get a large for my son to start white water.

Best wishes,

Andy

[stVARifleman]

Jackson Kayak still hasn't done a Nirvana walk through. Or even better do a compare and contrast of the Jackson Zen and Jackson Nirvana.

The reason I say this is I'm fairly new to whitewater kayaking. I've been whitewater paddling for about two years. I own a Traverse-9 and 2015 Zen-M. I love both of those kayaks but those are the only whitewater kayaks I've ever paddled. I read all kinds of comments and reviews online saying great things about the Nirvana and hating on the Zen. I like my Zen but Id like to see a more technical comparison of the Zen, Nirvana, and even the Karma too. Giving all the boats a fair shake and truly discussing in an objective way the pros and cons of all three for intermediate paddlers.

Love your boats and videos. Keep sending it.

[breakspearo]

Hey EJ, thanks for the tips, will definitely apply them. I tried the 4.0 out and the other day and I loved it. I only paddle Rockstars, massive Jackson fan. A thumbs up from the UK.

[smuir]

It would be really interesting to hear why the designs change, obviously the Karma was short lived, so what was learned, and what led to the Nirvana. Every new boat is an evolution of lessons learned, so it would be a very interesting view, that really only someone like you could share. BTW love my Antix!!! Great job on that one! So the question is what should my next boat be...

[dennywood]

Awesome video. Is there a video on outfitting the Antix 2.0 L?

[eriksendaniel]

Lovin' it! Backband trick for the win! Thanks! Had the exact same problem after flatwater loops sitting on my backband. You asked for a next video suggestion. Blown away by the party trick i have seen you, steve fisher and coyo do. Been struggling all winter and cannot do it even after watching your videos over and over again. Wanna do a new one for "The Party Trick", please?

[ryanperk]

Sweet video, thanks EJ, you rock! I’m about to grab my 4.0 and make several adjustments. I’ve been paddling RS’s 4 years now and I hadn’t heard about half the stuff you suggested.

BTW. Long live the starburst 4.0!!! 🎆🎇Sorry, I can’t think of anything else I’d like to know about right now, probably because I don’t know it, lol. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[peterspence]

Great video! I Just picked up a new RS 5 yesterday, does most of the info regarding seat position & knee placement crossover to the new model?

[AICodeWithChris]

EJ can you make a video and talk about boat sizing? I struggle doing bow stalls (ok I can't do them) should I get a smaller boat? If I do what does that mean in the big picture? Is the boat compromised, what will the boat do if it's overweighted.

[stVARifleman]

Another idea for a video do a compare and constrast of all the 9ft race boats and why the Nirvana is better.

Keep the intermediate paddlers in mind for this video, not just pros racing.

[lindatonolli]

Great tutorial, thank you very much!! <3

[AngusRobins]

Couple of questions to help me dial-in my outfitting in my Fun2...is the little thumbscrew on the pump/bulb on my happy feet meant to ‘click’ and then keep unscrewing? Should I even be unscrewing it so far? Also, my back-band always seems to slip a little and never stays exactly as tight as I first set it, is this normal? Lastly, about the back-band again, do you fit the waist tunnel of the spray deck over the back-band? It seems so high (yeah, super comfortable), I’m right in thinking it needs to go up into the waist tube of the deck? Loving the video series, subscribed 😉

[williambrazil]

Great video, would love to see something on structuring training on the flat if you can't always get to a feature

[smuir]

I would like to see tips on boat rescue in fast water, your buddy swims, he is safe, now how do you rescue his boat, and paddle. safe and efficient. What are lesson learned, and tricks to save his gear. I am sure this just happens for you guys, but as I push my boundaries, I want to know, I won't have to buy a new boat if I go over. By the way I love this idea.

[Joshua_Fitz]

You should make a video where you compare 4 fun by the rockstar which one is better.

[gkwckayaker]

Great info. Any tips for outfitting or getting the most out of a Zen for river/creek racing 😁

[Jon-nzdm]

Hey, EJ! Do these little boats work for taller people? I’m 6’4”. Watching your freestyle videos has me intrigued.

[mattgayler]

I’m sorry (what’s the crack) explain to us how you get out of your kayak when your so tightly fitted... if you really need to swim will you get out ? I am just getting into white water kayaking so swimming every now and then! In the zen currently👌
Although I would like to get into play boating at some point. On the other hand being that compact in the boat when I still swim now and again is a bit scary.
Thanks for your reply
Matt uk 🇬🇧

[patcorcoran]

In general, is it better to size up or down for playboat (for wave surfing tho)? Specifically, I’m 6’2’’ 175 and don’t know if 4.0 M or L would be better

[hamill]

Don't own a rockstar because JK boats are 500 euro more expensive than every other brand over here in Ireland but ill use some of this in my exo gui gui helixr! Thanks EJ!