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A great beginner to intermediate kayak. One noticeable problem is that paddling on both sides sometimes results in the kayak drifting to one side or the other, particularly in open water and cannot be corrected until nearly coming to a complete stop. The neoprene cover is very difficult to place over the bulkhead, and does not adequately keep water out in choppy conditions. With only one bulkhead in the rear, becoming stranded on the water in a catastrophic event may be a concern. Wilderness Systems could improve upon this design with a forward bulkhead in the bow and a better fitting, more functional water cover. Knee placement is difficult for control as the hull is wider for stability, yet spacious if you choose to store items below deck (beware of entanglement if you choose to store items bear your legs! - although, I have NEVER been able to flip this kayak, even on purpose). I personally enjoy the unique hull design for the polyurethane material, as it has a strong keel, and single chine on each side.

After paddling this kayak for 15 years, I have made use of it in Lake Michigan, Lake of the Ozarks, a camping trip where the tent site was on an island and everything had to be transported by kayak, Wabash River, Wildcat Creek, Torch Lake, Chain of Lakes, a Colorado glacial lake, and several places in between. I even proposed to my wife in this kayak. It has suited our needs for all of these adventures, so I would recommend it to anyone with beginner to intermediate experience, as the polyurethane hull is forgiving when crossing creek logs. But the weight, length, and hull design will limit those seeking a truly advanced experience on long distance, open-water trips.

The cockpit perimeter has a sufficient water guard to keep most choppy waves out of it within reason. It is open enough to launch easily, yet it a little too wide that I would recommend a useful spray skirt. Seat is padded, but I'd recommend extra padding unless you are an avid bicyclist with a "durable" posterior. Cup holder is shallow and only fits one size, so it can feel in the way unless you have the correct size bottle.

Although I've mentioned many negatives here, these are based on my experiences with it for 15 years - anyone who keeps a kayak THAT long has got to love more things about it than feel anything else. At 6', 200 lbs now & approx 5' 140 lbs when I got it, this kayak has been the best multi-purpose vessel for everywhere I've chosen to go.