I own the ascend 12T and LOVE IT! Paddles nice, though not as nice as a touring kayak. Super stable, though not as stable as high end yaks like Wilderness Systems and Bonafide but it gets the job done. I cannot say enough about the Ascend Kayak and am a fan, though if I had the ability to justify more money spent I would buy a Bonafide or Wilderness System as they have more features and initial stability is a little better...that said I am slightly over 200lbs and I can sit on the gunwale of my kayak and it doesn't tip or even lean very much...secondary stability is STOUT. I can stand with most all my weight on one side and its fine as well...initial stability seems to be the weak point, that and the overall weight.