About the reviewer Been canoeing since I was 11, now 43. Had a break of approx 11 years from canoeing for a number of reasons. Got son in to paddling at Penrith Whitewater Stadium so decided to get back into it, after a year of using Stadium boats tried the Mamba and was hooked. Test environment Penrith Whitewater Stadium (Grade Three) and on the practice lake. Both paddling for myself and instructing parents groups Review I absolutely love this boat. Got the larger version 8.5 as my weight fluctuates and wanted the opportunity to carry camping gear on overnight expeds. The boat turns on a sixpence and responds so well to even the lightest of strokes. Edging is a dream, so control is so easy. It is quite a high volume boat so doesn't suit every one, but being a big lad with not the highest level of fitness it responds well to my attempt at whitewater paddling. It's goes through whitewater so well and requires the minimal amount of effort get through the big waves. Rolling this baby is so easy, even for the weakest of paddlers...