I am a very experienced paddler and wanted something inexpensive with a keel I could sit in that was 10 feet. This vessel works fine...it is easy to control, very stable, was cheap. It is also made very cheaply too though. If you are looking for something sturdy that you can bang around, this is not for you. In addition, the hatch area is not enclosed which I found odd. I contacted the manufacturer who explained that blown kayaks don't have enclosed hatches. I wanted the hatch for storing things so they would not fall out into the water if I flipped and when you put something loose in the hatch it ends up in front of your feet! The manufacturer said you need to use a dry bag in there so it cannot bypass the seat and then attach it...to what I'm not sure as there is nothing in there. It is Very stable though ...!