Thanks, Hacksaw-I prefer canoes to kayaks-more capacity, less claustrophobic, and no necessity to eskimo roll if the going gets rough-you just get out. They seem to carry better, and are lighter-my kevlar solo weighs 22 pounds, 450 pound capacity. I don't think that the rivers will be crowded , and even if they are, they'll be crowded with kindred spirits. Silent, pleasant way to travel, except for the bitter citizens on the bridges, stuck in gridlock as you go quietly paddling by. They might be inclined to throw stuff.