About myself Started kayaking 1 year ago with 2 boats- Flipstick and a RAD185. I am still a grade2 -3 paddler because we've just finished winter. I hope to be a grade 5 -6 paddler in the future. About the test environment Learnt to roll in the local bay (lyttelton harbour). Practice in local pool 1- 2hrs a week doing tricks. Kayaked 2 rivers using the same boat a total of 5 times. River levels were reasonably high in each case (not sure of cumics) -3x Ashley river (New Zealand) grade 2+ -2x Hurunui river (New Zealand) grade 2-3 Review Played in other peoples boats when at the local pool- so am aware of the not so subtle differences between various boats. I find the Flipstick to be fantastic to learn rolls in. I achieved my first hand roll with ease in this boat. The boat has relatively little volume in the ends, therefore it is ideal for learning how to get either end under water....