Eskimo is known for making incredibly stiff plastic. The end result is a very durable, light-weight boat, with one of the highest strenght-to-weight ratios of any boat. I bought this boat in 2009 for teaching adventure racers who needed a durable whitewater boat, that would take a beating, and is light-enough to carry miles, if needed, depending on the layout of the race. The Kendo is the adventure-racer's dream for any kind of whitewater race.The Eskimo Kendo is a super fast boat, and it's length gives it stability, making it quite beginner friendly.