First paddle of my stitch-and-glue kayak in Baton Rouge's University Lake

The last coat of varnish has now had a week to cure and harden, and late last Sunday I outfitted them with seats, foot rests, and hatch cover toggles. While this is not the celebratory public launch party, it did provide me an opportunity to try things out. I'm glad I did this as I learned several things:
1. My method of riveting the straps holding the seat back in place was inadequate (or, I need to lose some weight.)
2. The kayak did perform quite well as I paddled across the lake, noticeably faster than the old sit-on-top I used to own.
3. The paddle, in particular it's length, worked well. It seems no heavier than typical sporting goods store paddles, although it is heavier than expensive carbon fiber paddles.
4. Most enlightening - getting out of the kayak is more challenging than getting in. I rolled it at the boat ramp. This would be easier at a sandy beach-like put-in.
The boat design is a Shearwater Sport by Chesapeake Light Craft.