All very sound advice. The problem with the Duc is it changes a lot with water level fluctuation. At seven boards, there are paths you can take that are unavailable at three boards. I've been down this river quite a few times with guides, and consider myself an accomplished rower, but not expert by any means. I may actually row it myself this spring. You have to ride this river out a few times to commit to memory some of the hairy spots. It's not that you can't do it with no experience, but you might find yourself so stressed and exhausted by the end of the day that you would not enjoy it. Also, search this board for the number of boats lost on this river in a given year. It's all about knowing the path.