Jackson Kayak originally created the Fun in 2005 as their premium free running design, meaning a boat that performs well for beginners to experts, rolls easily, playboats well and runs rivers well. Generally, a free running kayak is suitable for up to class 4 and plays well, though not as aggressively a pure freestyle kayak. The Fun was not the first boat built in this category, but has set the standard for a user friendly boat that excels in both the avenues of playboating and river running.
The Jackson Fun Series is available in a variety of sizes, built for different sized paddlers. Like shoes, skis or skates, the proper fit in a kayak is important for performance. The Fun series includes the Fun 1, Fun 1.5, 2 Fun, Fun, 4 Fun and Super Fun. The Fun 1 is the smallest with the Super Fun being the largest. Check out the sizing charts for the Classic Fun Series and the New Fun Series to see which boat will be your ideal fit. The Fun 1 and Fun 1.5 are only available in one version and contain the “Classic’ seat and the Happy Feet Foot System.
While the Classic Fun Series were the hot new boats of 2005 and 2006, they were redesigned for 2007 as the New Fun Series, which is the current Fun Series boat for 2007, 2008 and beyond.
Many paddlers wonder about the differences between the Classic Fun Series and the New Fun Series. Here is a breakdown of the differences.
Price
Classic Fun Series: $695
New Fun Series: $995
Material & Durability
Classic Fun Series: Superlinear Plastic (What all other manufacturers use. Recyclable and weld-able)
New Fun Series: Crosslink Plastic (reported to be the strongest, longest lasting plastic available. Non-recycleable and non weld-able)
Outfitting
Classic Fun Series: Basic JK outfitting includes padded seat, adjustable backband, thigh braces, adjustable hip pads and a foam block for feet.
New Fun Series: Deluxe JK outfitting includes sweet cheeks seat, adjustable backband, thigh braces, adjustable hip pads and happy feet foot system.
Sizing
Both the Classic Fun Series and the New Fun Series fit a wide range of paddler sizes. The sizing on each series is slightly different, so check out the sizing charts to find your perfect fit.
Ergonomics & General Features
Classic Fun Series: Light, comfortable, durable and dry. Standard comfort & ergonomics.
New Fun Series: Light, comfortable, durable and dry. Ergonomically advanced so even more body types can paddle happily all day.
Performance
Classic Fun Series: The Classic Fun series represents the perfect affordable way to enjoy kayaking downriver or playboating! These boats are forgiving enough for a huge rapid's cross-currents or your first peel-out. The hull is playful enough to throw massive air on the waves.
New Fun Series:
Comfort: ergonomically advanced so even more body types can paddle happily all day.
Rollability: you deserve the confidence that the low stern, flexible backband, and flared sidewall of our Fun series provides every level of paddler – it’s the easiest boat to roll ever!
Easy Play: from simple surfing and effortless spins to stern-squirts and cartwheels (and far beyond) every level of paddler will appreciate the slippery, streamlined advances for play in 07.
River-running: now even MORE forgiving, easier to change directions, and smoother riding across rocks, this NEW Fun takes the confident stability of the classic into more technical places.
How is this possible? Here’s a more technical rundown of the specific improvements:
More Volume: improvements in leg and foot-room pump up the volume from 51 gal to 53, resulting in floatier river running and bigger loops while a 1/2’’ increase in hull-width improves initial stability.
Slicier Shape: the new design reduces water resistance, making it easier to get vertical in flatwater. You’re sure to find the New Fun takes less effort to cartwheel at every spot.
Rounded Deck Edges: the new friendlier deck shape and softened stern edge not only allows water to run off smoother for quicker re-surfacing but also protect your hands and elbows from sharp corners, edges, or deck-lines.
Improved Cockpit Design: you’ll find it much easier to get in and out of the New Fun because we’ve raised the leg area and improved the ease with which the skirt goes on and off the boat
More Foot-room: not just more, but an improved shape to better fit your feet.
Faster, Looser Hull: this new hull is EASIER TO SPIN, faster on waves, and carries more speed through crisply carved turns. A slight crown replaces the grooves to create a silky smooth feel whether on sliding down small waves, big waves, or rocks.
There have also been some general improvements to the 2008 Fun’s over the 2007’s. Both are the New Fun shape. Following are the general improvements.
General 2008 improvements to all models from their 2007 versions
- New Sweet cheeks on top of a well designed seating system for perfect match to your personal shape.
-New Backband hole positions to increase the range of motion and reduce stress on the cockpit.
- Improved Quality of the molding for stronger, stiffer boats.
-Longer seat brackets for larger range of motion in seat adjustment and better hip pad support.
-Hose clamp for the front of the seat where it attaches to the composite beam to lock the seat in position after you adjust it right for you.
