I used this to float down a stretch of the Batsto river in Pine Barrens of NJ. You have to sit in it backwards for better stability and floatation. Think of it more like an innertube in terms of expectations of steering and maneuverability. The river is slow and winding, and this thing was not easy to "row" backwards--kayak paddling would be better. It was light enough to hike in 7 miles, and it made a pretty comfortable couch when in camp for the night. It did not puncture even though I was constantly going into branches and little deadheads--but bring patching tape just in case. I fit a large dry sack (with all my backpacking gear) in between my legs in front of me. I'm 6' and had my legs slightly bent, but it was very comfortable (more comfortable for long durations than kayaking).