Any of the newer creek boats out there are really good, so your best bet is to just get something that you fit well in. If you demo, a boat, I don't think that would be enough time in a boat, to be able to really tell, if you like it or not. I bought my Magnum in October, and I have paddled it almost every weekend since then. I didn't really start to like it , until about two monthes ago. So for a first boat, I would just get one you feal good in, and get it. And paddle for 6 months, and see how much you like it then.