Over the years I have rented kayaks for the occasional summer afternoon. With the rising rental prices I have decided to buy. I certainly would love to try sailing one as well. The sailing rig attachments seen online look like fun.

Here in southern California most sailing opportunities I have in mind are the bays, harbors and channels, and hugging the coastline in open water. I'd likely want to take the rig with me on camping trips to the northwest. We're planning to go to the San Juan Islands this September. We're thinking day trips exclusively. No overnight stays.

My first choice is the Advanced Elements Convertible. Downside is the weight of the boat. I have a weak back. Other choice is the Pakboat Puffin II or Saranac. I like the lighter weight.

Which is faster? More stable in open water? Any other choices? I want speed, but my honeybun wants stability.

And lastly, why are everyone's opinions all over the map? I can't make up my mind!

Sea kayaking is the most basic and primitive form of marine boating--you are completely reliant and dependent upon your own skills, experience, strength, and knowledge of marine and weather conditions. Are you sure in your own mind that you have the skill-set, experience, (I assume you have the strength) and knowledge to tackle salt-water kayak sailing in the NW at this time? It's lonely out there when the wind picks up and a powerful tidal current is taking you somewhere you don't want to go.

I know there will be a lot of kayakers who will disagree with me, but my take on this subject is that if you want to go sailing, buy, or rent a sailboat. If you want to go paddling, buy, or rent a real kayak. I wouldn't buy a sailboat and then look for the best paddle for it--although it might have to be paddled, or rowed if it doesn't have an engine.

I used to say that sailing was the most fun you could have with your clothes on. Why did I say that? I don't know. I do know that I am more addicted to kayaking than I ever was to sailing. I really loved sailing, but sailing definitely depends on the cooperation of the wind gods. Paddling only depends on you and your paddle.

I wasn't too big on sailing rigs for kayaks till we made a trip out the Straits of Juan de Fuca with a couple of Kleppers. There was a nice breeze and a lot of miles to go. They put up their masts and raised just a jib and did a horizon job on us. Feeling bad they returned and offered a tow. Gotta admit it was pretty nice hanging onto their cockpit and getting drug out to sea while we chatted.

A sail can certainly allow you to take full advantage of your environment.

Hoo-wee! More to think about! Well, this weekend a store down in Orange County is offering paddling demos. I'll be there with my honeybun getting in a few!