Mike,,I don't know about the Auk or whether you are desiring stability/maneuverability over straight line efficiency but the Merganser 17W sounds like a good choice for you. Women are more stable than men so that issue is more perception than physics. The Merganser 16 is a fine choice,,Pygmys AT14 would be better for maneuverability but given her height the Merganser would be a better fit.