Advice needed! Instead of doing the usual wedding registry thing, my husband and I requested gift certificates to a local kayak store instead. We both have some experience paddling in different conditions and are in the process of narrowing down what pair of sea kayaks we are going to purchase. I am 5'3" and 135 lbs, while my husband is 6'1" and 145 lbs (no, not a typo--super tall and skinny). I tend to prefer a very snug boat, while my husband wants a roomier cockpit that's easy to get his long legs in and out of. He wants something that feels stable, while I'm not scared of a boat that might feel tippy at first. We plan to venture out for a variety of different kinds of trips--sometimes day trips out in the ocean, sometimes short camping trips, sometimes river/lake trips. We've decided that we should forgo glass boats for this first pair so that we don't have to worry as much about bumping around on rocks.

The very kind owner of the store we will be purchasing seems to be steering us heavily towards a WS Tempest 165 for me and a 170 for my husband, but I'm a bit concerned that these boats will feel too clunky for us after a year or so of paddling and I don't particularly like their aesthetics or colors, though they were quite comfortable (call me vain)!

Does anyone have any ideas about kayaks that would pair well for the two of us so that we can keep pace with each other? Anyone in a Delta 16 or 17? I really like the look of thermoformed ABS. Maybe a pair of Eddyline Fathoms? We will of course try the boats on the water, but I'd love some guidance on what we should request to try.

Personally, I wouldn't be so quick to eschew composite boats--especially if the price is quite comparable to poly, or thermal plastic boats. If you know for sure that you will be bumping around in rocks and whatnot, then maybe polyethylene is the way to go. IF that is the case, I would at least check out what Current Designs has to offer. Otherwise, if you want to do some comparing, go to nckayaks.com and see what you can get for a very reasonable price. Their regular price and especially the sale prices in no way are a guage of the quality of of these boats. They are simply superb.

I think a good part of the decision is what you can get. Seems you are locked in to a shop, so what brands does that shop carry?

Thanks for the response. Though I would love composite boats, I think we want to go for a pair that will take some abuse. Any tips?

We do have a certain amount of credit to use at this particular store but we can purchase the boats elsewhere if we want. I unfortunately haven't found anywhere in Los Angeles to demon Delta or Eddyline kayaks so far.

I don't believe in abusing any boat, but if that is your intention, why not go for polyethylene. Some of the thernal plastic boats can take a lot of abuse, but is it worth the extra money, which can amount to double what a comparable poly boat would cost.

don't discount the Tempests as "clunky"! they are anything but....I'm a little bit biased having helped design it 12 years ago and I'm happy to report it is still doing well!

The other advise above is all good. you won't want to abuse ANY vessel!

steve scherrer

If you like the look of thermoformed ABS you should try and get a demo of the new Eddyline Raven. With the removable seat pan the same boat could easily fit both of you.
BTW I would not consider the Tempests clunky at all. The composite versions are fine, well designed ocean kayaks.