In what way would this be considered a challenge for a beginner? I'm curious because I was eying this boat. While I'm not rank a beginner, neither am I an expert. The light weight was appealing as was the fairly beamy width (say, as opposed the the Necky Eliza which I was also considering).

The Necky Manitou series is a great line for people who are not brand new to the sport but don't feel as though they need or want a super skinny boat. I have not paddled the ultralight 14 but I have paddled the polymer 14 and absolutely loved it. It's perfect for day trips. It is very stable and it tracks like a boat 2-3' longer than it actually is. You can't go wrong with the Manitou series, and now that they are making them as ultralight composite modles you really can't go wrong! Good luck and happy paddling!
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