This is a great tandem canoe. It tracks well, but also has great response. The new tough weave makes the boat light and easy to lift. I am a 4'11 woman and can lift the boat up easily. My only complaints is the gel coat- it tend to scratch easily. Maybe it just shows more on my boat as it is burgundy. However, for a boat advertised for flatwater and gentle rivers, I would expect the gel coat to hold better against minor abrasions. The bow area is very small if you are a kneeling paddler. I am not sure my husband would fit in the bow. Overall, I am very pleased with its paddling capability.