Hi pjmsj21,
As long as you're looking, go to nckayaks.com and take a look. They are having a great Christmas Sale and the prices are right. They're built in Tacoma Wa. It sounds like you are located in the Northwest. I would very strongly suggest that you take a drive up to Tacoma and see what they have to offer.

I own one of their Expedition models, and after paddling it for several years now, I wouldn't trade it for anything. In one sense, I would have to say that they are not a beginners boat, but that would be wrong. Why should a beginner start with something they will not be happy with in a short while. These are lifetime boats that you won't tire of. And they are absolutely gorgeous.