I have been kayaking for several years now, and I bought this boat on a budget. In that respect, it was brilliant. For its cost, it is a great piece of kit. After buying it, I was very happy with its maneuverability, as well as it's easy rolling. It is a great all-round boat, and I have used it in many different locations, for many different purposes, sea-surfing, river-running, etc. It has a very flat back end, allowing for decent squirting on fast-ish water. Despite its many good qualities, it is a quite high-volume boat, and has a rather chunky bow. This allows it to fit practically anyone (two of my friends have used and enjoyed it, one is 6'3", one is 5'2"), but also limits it when it comes to river play. It is very stable, due to its high-volume, but also very difficult to get any big moves on, when in a stopper, or on waves. In conclusion, I guess, this is a very good boat for it's low price (its Kayak of the Decade award is well deserved), however would be more suitable for lower grade paddlers....