On a few occasions I have looked at upgrading to a more expensive glass boat, but after testing them I realized that my Alto performs just as well. This boat is 15'8' long and at 22' is narrow, that combined with the keel design makes makes primary stability seem slightly tippy, but secondary stability is excellent - these features combined provide for good speed. I find that I can easily keep up with the lighter glass and kevlar boats (I'm a strong paddler). With the rudder deployed tracking is excellent. I paddle mostly in the lower Hudson river and it has handled winds, swells and confused currents with ease. I have owned this kayak for about four years and am extremely happy with it. But for distance and exploring, it's the Alto. Now in my mid 70s, it's hard to exit gracefully.I just ask others to look the other way or revert to my larger cockpit old man kayak for use on Lake Oconee.

It's only flipped when taking on huge breaking waves broadside while pushing my luck four feet from the beach. While not as fast for racing as my previous sleek fiberglass Khaya (only a few built by Walter Stapleton in Winter Springs, Florida), it has proven to be the most durable, reliable, and fun boat of the many I've owned or tried out.

As some others have noted, the Alto's primary stability (for this 6 foot, 205 guy) is not terribly great, but its secondary stability gives confidence.

It responds quickly and predictably when turning. The tracking challenges that some describe are minimal, using my shallow dip, wide out, waist turning paddling style, even in stiff winds. When life for me ends, I want to be put out to sea in the Alto, which has earned the name 'Maelstrom.' Quickly, the homely Alto became the favored boat and the Tempest was sold. The Alto was recommended as the boat of choice by the guides at Southeast Adventures there. Simons Island, Georgia some time around 2005 along with the much sexier Wilderness Systems Tempest. Why? After paddling one, who would want anything else? Mine was purchased for ocean paddling and surfing the ever changing sandbars off of St. Wilderness Systems should never have designed and sold the Alto.

Alto's adventure maya on ramps