I too highly respect M_M opinions. But I have to disagree with him on the Rendezvous, or at least repeat it's a love it/hate it boat. The people I know didn't have a trim problem, it was too much tumblehome for pushy directional waves. Though it might be better on big western whitewater rivers than it is on more technical whitewater. They seem to really push them in Colorado.

The Supernova was said to be "not a very responsive boat". This was from a river guide/outfitter who rented them. He preferred a more full blown ww boat though, i.e. Dagger Genesis, Esquif Vertige, they're slow on the flats.

The whole idea of doing rivers is running some kind of current. Eventually you'll wish you had a boat that would turn quick and dance with you in the ww stuff, even if it's slow paddling the flats.

MT, If you need ww experience and want to try the Bloodvein, look at Northern Soul. I've done several outfitted river trips, not w/NS, but I talked to them @ canoecopia and I would go with them. Somebody is always needing ww lessons during a trip. You get a trip and lessons too. You will probably get into bigger ww with they're blessings by the end of the trip than you would if you did it solo & by the seat of your pants. Just make sure you're honest about your paddling experience when you talk to them.

All just my opinion. I know the DIY urge is strong, but I'll bet you'd be glad you took a trip with a ww instructor/guide.