Just like a canoe, the longer the faster. I would say 12' isn't bad but man that thing is heavy. I have a 13.5' and a 14.5' which seems to be fine for all the paddling we do, lake, river, stream and ocean. They are rotomold plastic I believe and weigh just over 40# each. It doesn't appear to be a barge and the retail price isn't too bad so, for the right price. I would generally not recommend anything from Dicks!