Based on the design of the Vubu, the Pungwe creeker is the fierce little sister, equally equipped with the same performance and feature requirements designer Celliers Kruger required from its larger sibling.

The Pungwe thrives on technical and lower volume creeks. The boat has more rocker in comparison to length than the Vubu and is slightly agiler. This maneuverability allows paddlers to react quickly and make last minute adjustments such as pivoting into micro eddies or avoiding crocodiles.

While not quite as fast as its big brother, the Pungwe is still quick through flat-water and tracks well, making it easy to stay on line. The shape of the bow and volume help it transition through eddy lines and aerated water without spinning out or slowing down.

The added rocker in the Pungwe also has the added benefit of making it boof more easily, giving paddlers confidence on steep creeks and waterfalls. The peaked front and back decks on the boat to help it resurface quickly and evenly after drops and the stern is designed to propel the kayak forward out of holes.

The creeker also has a substantial secondary stability that is vital for confidence when running steep rapids where flipping upside down isn’t ideal. If you do capsize, the Pungwe is easy and fast to roll, minimizing time upside down.

While based on the design of the Vubu, the Pungwe has its own virtues and is an ideal creeker for smaller paddlers or paddlers that want a responsive boat for technical low volume creeks.

CHILDREN

While smaller children will find this kayak too large to paddle and maneuver, it is perfect for older children and teens.

FLATWATER

The Pungwe is obviously not designed for real flatwater paddling, but it is not too horrible to paddle on the flatwater sections between rapids.

TOURING

For multi-day whitewater trips where there are lots of rapids and not too many miles of flatwater, the Pungwe is a great kayak. It is super easy to pack your stuff in the stern of the kayak, with no pillar to obstruct your access. It is also easy to take out the footrest because there is no front pillar, so you can load a few items in the bow of the kayak too.

OCEAN

If you only have one kayak and are desperate to get on the ocean, you can play around on the sea with the Pungwe. The same properties that make it handle whitewater well, will make it easy to paddle through surf break. But it’s not a surf kayak and it’s not good for long distances on the ocean.

OCEAN SURF

If you made your way out through the breakers to the backline, you’ll be able to surf your way back to the beach too. But be sure that it’s going to be mostly sidesurfing; you’re not going to be pulling any moves. Unless you count windowshading as a move…

WHITEWATER

Yeah. That is what this boat is designed for. The bigger and more technical, the better. It will make easy rapids boring, and bring difficult rapids closer to your comfort zone.