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The rapids were class 3, and I was shouting in joy as three friends and I shot them. My Elie -- though not a whitewater boat -- responded beautifully. She's lightweight, maneuverable, responsive. But I'm still learning the fine points of paddling, and as I tried to hit a chute, I slammed into a rock, spun, hit another rock. Before I knew it, I was in the churning water. I grabbed the capsized Elie, held on. Finally, I pushed her to the bank, emptied her and got back on the river. The boat had taken hard hits, but there wasn't a mark on her. This review is a four star because I learned the difference between water resistant and water proof. The Elie's hatches are water resistant, not water proof. Be sure to stow all gear in dry bags. Especially lunch.