About the reviewer I paddled one of the first Mongooses out of the mold for six years (1995-2001) until I finally wore it out. I still have my second one. Test environment I've used a Mongoose on over a hundred creeks ranging from trickles in the backyard to sick class V+ huge drop pool monsters. Review Hands down this is one of the best creek boats ever designed. At the time, it was a short boat; by today's standard, it's a long boat. However, the major rocker satarting at just behind the seat makes it so there is only about 7 feet of boat in the water, making it spin and turn like a much shorter boat. The extra length in the front gives you lots of speed when you need it; just lean forwards and stroke hard. Lean back, and you are almost guaranteed to spoon out on the bottom of ledge drops without hitting the nose on the bottom. The bulkhead saves your ankles if you do hit, but since this boat boofs like a dream, you don't hit much. ...