This boat is wonderful. I cut my teeth on an RPM, then tried a 3D a few times, as well as a Kinetic and Freefall. Perhaps it's me, but the Infrared, unlike any of those boats, responds and reacts to the water _exactly_ the way i want and expect it to. I'm 5'9 about 155 lbs, and the IR feels much more nimble than anything else I've been in. It has given me tremendous confidence.It's easy to roll, the stern is just grabby enough to do fun things with and not try to flip you whenever you make a mistake, and it surfs really well. I couldn't possibly be any happier with my IR. It's got plenty of room inside for my size 9 1/2 feet, and is comfortable enough to sit in all day. :)