Actually, the Berrigan hull is a pretty "normal" touring canoe shape, which works pretty well in flat water, as well as moderate whitewater. One year a friend and I even paddled one of mine in a 26 mile canoe marathon in the touring canoe class. Being an old guy now, I don't know how comfortable I would be kneeling for so long, but at the time it was pretty comfortable - in some ways more comfortable than kneeling in a typical open canoe. Whether or not the limited ability to pack gear and move around in a decked boat works for your particular use is another question, but I always found the Berrigan to be an excellent canoe.