Just received my third SeaEagle boat. I first ordered the Sport Kayak in the 1990's and then another about 15 years later. Now, I have wanted the Explorer for several years and just got it this season. I have only used it twice on lakes and can see where it excels over my Sport Kayak in ease of loading and unloading, inflation, tracking, and handling in mild windy conditions. I will be using it on the river this week and I am confident it will be good for the river as well. I don't usually do over class III but nice to know it can handle more. I call it the Merganser for the duck bill front nose; a common duck seen on the river here. I am just a little clumsy with the drain valves as yet and the skag. I did not think I would like it at first but I really like the hand pump, works great.