-- Last Updated: Apr-15-12 9:55 PM EST --
I agree with all the information you've received so far.
You need to get yourself involved in an ACA beginner's canoeing class, or get some one on one instruction from someone more experienced than yourself. The problem is most certainly your problem; NOT the canoe's problem.
Check out the Arkansas Canoe Club website.
There are many great paddlers who post on that website.
Quite a few are ACA Instructors.
The club sponsors quite a few classes & river outings.
Quite a few of those who post on that website are probably quite close to you distance wise.
Two of the posters(I know)on this thread are great paddlers, but one lives in Wisconsin, and the other lives on the east coast.
They can give you good advice, but aren't going to be be able to give you the hands on instruction you need. The other thing you will definitely need is "time in the boat".
BOB