I used to have a Spirit II in Kevlar and I found it difficult to solo. I was paddling from the bow seat, turned around. It was hard to turn and caught the wind a lot. Hard work.

That said, keep in mind i’m not a big guy, and the canoe was unloaded. I was paddling on Superior for an afternoon, and another time in Toronto harbour, of all places ( don’t ask).

With two paddlers and a load, it’s a good boat for big water. For one light guy and no load, it was a pain in the butt.