I had a 2009 Hero. I demoed loads of boats and the Hero put the biggest smile on my face.During the year and half I owned it I took it down some gnarly stuff and it looked after me. However, what I did find was that when the volume and pace of the rivers picked it seemed easy to catch an edge and into holes it really needed a good old dig through stroke or you got a bit of a kicking.

On lower grade, less demanding, stuff though up to good solid grade 3 I wouldn't want to be any any other big volume boat. Like paddling your favourite sofa. So comfy. The Hero is a one off in terms of design; part retro part forward looking...

I don't really know how to sum up the Hero... There's no other boat like it. It fits a niche. As a beginners' boat it would be perfect. When you step it up though it might just be time to visit e-bay....