This is a good kayak for a beginner. It's about 12'10" and I find it light enough to be able to left onto the top of an SUV. With a couple of bags in it it's still under 50 lb. So far I've only used on slow rivers, but it's a nice pace paddle and seems to good turns while tracking straight. Seat could be a little more comfortable but I've added second thinner layer seat as an extra little cushioning. The cockpit is a little tighter than I want for longer runs and much narrower than something like a Pungo or the Calypso I've rented. It's a good kayak to take out on short runs on the river.