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Until recently, I haven’t spent much time in Pyranha kayaks. It’s not that I have anything against them—they just never really aligned with my paddling style or felt quite right for my body. But that changes the moment I sit in the Medium Firecracker. Within minutes, I can tell: this boat is different. Comfortable, balanced, and full of potential, it makes me excited to get it out on the water.

About Me
I’m 5’4” and 165 lbs, which puts me in a bit of a middle zone when it comes to boat sizing. When purchasing a kayak, it’s always the same question: small or medium? For the past two years, my half slice of choice has been the Jackson Antix 2.0 in a size small. It’s the perfect boat for my style—lively, responsive, and incredibly fun for stern squirts, surfing, and big water. But as I spend more and more time in it, I start to feel a little limited by the fit. Longer days on the water leave my hips and legs sore, and the snugness that once feels secure now feels restrictive. I want something that still delivers that playful feel, but with more room to move and stay comfortable—especially on back-to-back paddling days. That search leads me to the Medium Firecracker. Before settling on the medium, I try sitting in the small first. It feels similar to my Antix—tight and a little unforgiving. Even though I’m in the weight range for the small Firecracker, I worry I’ll run into the same discomfort over time. On the flip side, going up a size makes me nervous too. Will the Medium feel sluggish or less playful than what I’m used to? After asking friends for advice, I decide to give the Medium Firecracker a chance. Spoiler alert: I’m so glad I did!

First Impressions: Comfort & Fit
The first thing I notice when I sit in the Medium Firecracker (245 cm long, 63 cm wide, with a volume of 255 litres) is just how comfortable it feels. With a deck height of 34 cm and a paddler weight range of 132–209 lbs, the cockpit feels spacious without being oversized, and the outfi tting is dialed. I immediately feel more relaxed and at ease compared to how I feel in my Antix. There’s finally room for my legs to move naturally and for my hips to feel supported but not squeezed by the cockpit rim. At just 40.8 lbs, the Firecracker is also easy to carry—something I appreciate right off the bat. This comfort alone is a game-changer. As any paddler knows, when you’re not distracted by discomfort, you can paddle with way more freedom and confidence.

Outfitting Tweaks: Dialing It In Early
Before feeling totally dialed in the Firecracker, I spent some time adjusting the outfitting. The factory setting has the seat positioned all the way at the back, which at first seems fine, but after a few laps I realized it makes the boat feel less balanced and harder to roll. I move the seat forward to the middle, adjust the thigh braces, and reposition the foot blocks to match. That small change completely transforms how the boat handles. Suddenly I feel centred, stable, and more in sync with the Firecracker. The bow engages predictably, and rolling feels smooth and natural. Don’t get me wrong—I still get backlooped by big waves! But when I want to charge through boils or surf, I have way more control to do it. That extra bit of time spent customizing the fit really pays off—it makes the boat feel like an extension of my body.

On the Water: Playfulness Meets Stability
The first strokes on the river feel like a breath of fresh air. The boat responds quickly, spins easily, and feels extremely maneuverable for its size. The high rocker on both ends gives it a bouncy, agile feel right away, which makes punching through features, ferrying, and boofing a dream. I was especially curious to see how the Firecracker handles on a wave—and it doesn’t disappoint. The surfing is smooth and balanced, with the shorter length making it easy to stay on the wave, even in less retentive features. The width gives it great lift, and it doesn’t feel like it wants to pearl or dive unpredictably. One of my favourite surprises is how easy it is to initiate spins and carve while still maintaining stability and control. I feel like I can experiment more—lean in harder, push the edges further—because the boat supports those decisions rather than punishing them.

Squirts, Pivots & Vertical Moves
I want a boat that can stern squirt and get vertical without requiring a ton of effort—and the Firecracker delivers. Even though it has a little more volume in the stern than my small Antix, I can still get the tail down with solid technique and a bit of power. Much like the Antix, it’s quick and snappy in this department—something I’m stoked about every session. The Firecracker pivots and slices through eddies with ease, and its short, playful shape constantly invites me to get creative on the river. Whether I’m dodging rocks, carving across wave trains, or trying out a new squirt line, the boat has my back—and fuels my curiosity.

Final Thoughts
I’ll be honest: I don’t expect to be this stoked on a Pyranha boat. But the Medium Firecracker completely changes my perspective. It gives me the playful spirit I love in the Antix, but adds the comfort, control, and support I didn’t know I was missing. If you’re a paddler who finds yourself between sizes, looking for a boat that’s roomy but not bulky—and playful but still river-capable—I can’t recommend the Medium Firecracker enough. It’s a boat that feels fun the second you sit in it—and only gets better with every lap.