Hi a mate of mine is looking into buying a canoe,he's done a bit of padding but with hire canoe's and his girlfriend who's German has done quite a bit in her youth both in Sweden and Germany,i said id ask on here what the recommendations are, He's not really wanting wood or Ally,enough room to carry two adults and maybe a child with camping kit,sturdy tough but not to heavy. Money wise if it suits his needs and is good quality he don't mind paying.