The Anuri is a relatively new design for them so I doubt there's a lot of people to hear from. I would call the shop and ask them how it handles. One of the ways I get the truth about a boat out of the maker is to ask specifically what the boat won't do. Ask for it's weaknesses up front. An honest designer will tell you immediately what the boat is NOT suitable for. That can help you get to the bottom of a design.

I'm like you, I like to try before I buy. Unfortunately these kits aren't like Toyotas or Hondas with gazillions of them around to try out. I am now far more likely to trust the feedback I hear from the dealer on a Waters Dancing boat since I've paddled one (not the Anuri), been to the shop and talked to the designer talk about the things he considers as he's developing a new design. Not quite a test drive but pretty close.

If you talk to Waters Dancing about the Anuri and the handling sounds like what you're looking for I can tell you the kit will be top quality as I'm in the middle of putting one together right now.

: I'm leaning heavily towards the Anuri 16 right now. I'd really like to hear
: from someone who has built it, how they like it. Pygmy DID recess the
: Tern's rear coaming, so that boat is also likely. At least I know I like
: that one.