Quote Originally Posted by Olgrey View Post
Does the Ride 115 track well, I think that is the term, paddle reasonable straight without having it veer off line too badly? I am interested in being able to launch, go downstream or upstream, and paddle back, through some swift waters in small rivers. Thanks for your help.
You do not want a keel for swift water use. While they do help one over come poor paddling form, and force the boat to head straight on flat water, in the swirl and fast water it makes it very difficult to control. Look for a kayak with a smoother transitions on a shallower v or even flat hull. The Jackson Coosa is great river boat and will paddle upstream in swift water better than "faster" and straighter tracking boats that are of similar length. I would look for something that has a hull like the Coosa or even a 16 ft plus river tripping canoe with solo seat in the middle (use a kayak paddle). Also learn to use a high angle paddle stroke vs low angle for better control in the river.