This was our 1st Kayak purchase and my 2nd time out on or in a Kayak. I absolytely loved this specific one. We looked at multiple styles and brands and this was my final choice to get for my first one. This one glided on the water very smoothly, water wake was not a problem at all and manoverability was easy. We went back out on the River and this one was 10 times better than the one that I used my first time out from our Local kayaking company that you can Rent by the hour. As I become more of a Kayaker and need to up grade I will be looking into a Pelican.