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.