I have owned the same NW Discover for about 9 years. It is NOT a good first boat, but for those who have developed good skills she is outstanding. She can carry 10 days of food and water for a trip in the Everglades, and still have room to carry some of your buddies gear!
Empty she has enough speed to surf big ocean ground swells. With practice, a combination of edging, rudder and sweep strokes can make her turn like a much smaller boat-regardless of load.
I've done two Everglades Challenges (see www.watertribe.com) and did very well in both races.