Steve IA,

I would consider it a "dry" boat. I get water in mine, but, it is caused from getting in and out of it with waders on. The way the boat is shaped would lead me to believe it would be a "dry" ride. I have not had it out on the big lakes here yet, but, I plan to try it out. There are some pictures on their web site (www.nucanoe.com) that show this boat being used on choppy open water, but, I cannot respond from experience.