Magooch says, "My only point was that I do not necessarily believe that a beginner is any better off in a typical beginner boat than something of a higher caliber.

I can't see why it would be wrong to start with a real sea kayak. And that is not to say that I have anything against recreational kayaks, or any others for that matter. I also do not believe that a sea kayak has to be difficult and unstable. And I don't believe that a beginner is any more likely to get into trouble in a sea kayak than they are in a boat with less capability."

I could not agree more. It is important to learn skills, but in my opinion there is nothing wrong with starting out with a kayak that is light weight, capable of handling rough water, stable and efficient to paddle.

I don`t think anyone was saying not to start out in a sea kayak. Paddle anything you like. My point is a "better" boat does`t make you a better paddler. Water doesn`t care what kind of boat you have if something goes wrong out there.

Oh contrare. I don't mean to be argumentative, but in my opinion, the boat can certainly influence ones skills and in some cases, demand that the skills come up a few notches just to stay in the drivers seat. Some boats require less skills and more effort; others may require less in the way of physical effort, but technique and skill become oh so important.

And what happens if ones skills don`t come up a few notches and they get caught out in the middle of a crossing and all of a sudden they find themselves in 4-6ft. sea`s? And Magooch you know that this can happen quickly out there. To late to say maybe I have to much boat for me to handle here.

My belief is that a well designed boat will be of great benefit if conditions deteriorate. Are you suggesting that you would rather be in a less capable boat if caught in less than ideal circumstances?

When I say that a boat might require some change in technique, that is with reference to maneuvering--such as turning the boat if it is a solid tracker. I would suggest that any paddler should be pretty sure of their abilities before venturing into a situation that might go bad, no matter what kind of boat they have.

Sad to say but I can see me having more than one serious kayak. GF said I'll end up with a fleet in the back yard. I love my Solstice but would like something fast if I progress to be able to handle it and may be a British style. Also one poly to beat in the surf like the Delphin 15.

Well, you won't be the lone ranger, Dog. While I primarily like paddling in bigger waters, once in awhile I like paddling in smaller rivers and streams. I will not take my sea kayaks into small streams; thats what my rec boat is for and although it's been a while, I have a very nice inflatable kayak that works great in white water. I even have a canoe, but lately it has been a wall ornament.

there are people who start w. a seakayak, I know a few. I got mine four months into paddling.

But they are in a minority. Why that is, I think, has a lot to do with how kayaks are marketed and the general perception that just about anyone can get in a recreational boat and go paddle. In contrast many view a seakayak as inherently too tippy and the smaller, skirted cockpit induces claustrophobia.

A lot of people getting into the sport like a SOT or rec boat as they are easy and comfortable to use. Nothing wrong w. that. If their interests and paddling venues get more diverse and/or they really get into the sport, they may choose to paddle different boats. Nothing wrong with that either.

Whatever boat you start with, it's important that you, the paddler, have the skills to deal w. the range of conditions in the waters you normally paddle. And part of the skillset is knowing the right boat for the right conditions... and when no boat is suitable (e.g. stay home)

If Person A likes flat water ponds or small gentle streams in good weather the demands on the boat and paddler are obviously less. Person B who wants to kayak large open water, play in surf, go rock gardening, or do Class IV rapids, and will go out in cold water, or days when a marine warning is out, is better served with an entirely different skillset. If their judgment is developing along w. their skills they will probably conclude they need something other than a rec boat.


Plus it's just plain fun to have different boats if one is so inclined.

I thought of selling my two SOT boats. Then even though new I won't get much probably 60% in today's economy. They will be fun to get to the beach in with the cooler with drinks and food with the beach chairs like last year. They are fun when the water is warm to let your legs dangle in the water or take my 9 pound dog for a canal paddle.

Another reason is if friend come over they may jump in a SOT and take a ride with me. Looking at a Sea Kayak is intimidating to may as stated above. When I look this July I wanted simple and didn't know any better figure how will I get in or out of a sit in boat. Oh well now I have both for twice the fun. I picked up my old B&B plastic paddle and took off in the Solstice. Felt like lead compared to my fiberglass Werner.

Like anything if you want to see the fastest go to the races and see what wins!

(Bump)

Well I am up to four so far. Next will be a surf ski I hope when I can handle the CD Extreme / Nomad