I have a solo canoe, a rec kayak and a whitewater kayak. The choice for me always depends on the river. Class 1+, solo canoe. Class 2+, rec boat. Class 3 is whitewater kayak only. But it also depends on the water and air temps. Sometime I'll risk a bigger boat if its warm and a swim is no big deal. The bigger the boat, the more comfortable you can be, up to and including even bringing a 40qt ice chest!