Brian, Glad to see you move up from where its hot, to the land of almost 10,000 lakes, MN has that honor. Just think, now you can paddle when its 50 degrees and snow on the ground in late fall, quiet, peaceful and nobody else on the rivers and lakes. There are lots of places to paddle near the city. By the way, I always check in at this bbs, great reading, yet nothing deemed a response like a newcomer to MI. I am presently building a Stillwater Canoe and have built a Pokomoke and a Cape Charlie for my 11 year old, he's now giving it to his sister (8 yr) and asked to help build another for himself. Oh well! Email me and I can direct you to the outfitters and builders sources around town. Rick