I read your profile and you have 4 SOF boats. Just curious why that model rather than asking if anyone has a S & G that they really like because then you at least could try it.
Since you're new to paddling, it's not always easy to formulate an opinion without the experience and skills to utilize the boat fully. I have no opinion on the boat but since you have 4 SOF's you may want to try some before building to see how they feel FOR YOU. It's not like 15 years ago when nobody had a wood boat. Now everyone does and there's boats to try everywhere.