The Boat is simply amazing. While I am decidedly undersized for it at 5'8" and 150lbs, I was amazed at how well I was able to push the boat around. The boat is super manouverable (at 270cm - 9' its nothing like the old school boats of yester year), and is basically the juggernaught of creek boats. it simply smashes its way through and over anything in its path. The most common comment from the dozens of paddlers who tried it: "Sicuro" (Safe).

The race went well... I won first place in the International catagory, and also 1st in the team race with Dragon Team members Marco Merini and Giorgio Codeluppi, and then 6th in the Open class (beaten by a bunch of 21 year old highly trained slalom racers - bugger!!!)

The race was a 4 minute sprint down a class 4 plus canyon with a nasty hole located about 3 mins into the race - guaranteed agony if you get stuck in it out of breath... there were several swims and one prolonged rodeo ride that lasted nearly 5 minutes during the race or practice).

While at 9' the Critical Mass was in fact not the fastest boat out there (its design is based on super fast turning and "reach" to it can breach over holes and obstacles, but not give up turning), it was certainly an advantage to have the 9' length when I got to that hole and could simply float right through it.

The best part is just how dry the boat stays all the time. We have some really large guys - in the 220lbs, 6'2" range who were using the Medium Seat in the boat, with room to spare...

Comments from testers: One ownes a Jefe, and said theCM was far more manouverable and stable than the Jefe. Another paddles a Mamba, and also said the boat felt safer and easier. A third, who has a Diesel commented on the boats manouverability and ease. Averyone liked the attention to detail, safety, fit, comfort, outfitting and the overall look of the boat, so I was stoaked.