I get lots of scratches and gouges on my fishing kayak because I'm working in lots of stumps and rocks. I usually know when they happen, though. I once high centered on a stump and got stuck. I had to do about 20 lunges to get off the stump. I haven't ever punched a hole in a kayak yet. I suspect you are more adventurous than some. It might be fun to go on a trip with you...and kind of hang back just to see what happens.