Re: [Paddlewise] 2 Newbie Questions

     Not to try to add to the gazillions of good comments you've already 
     seen on this question, Tee, you've already identified the most 
     important issue in selecting a kayak.  Paddling it!  Empirical studies 
     and surveys will get you a lot of good information, but the most 
     important component to your decision has to be how <you> feel about 
     the boat, and how the boat <feels>!  It's really subjective.  There 
     are so many boats these days, and most people will tell you all the 
     good things and the bad things about what <they> paddle.  But you've 
     got to go out and paddle as many as you can.
     
     You mentioned two upcoming events --- one in Lorton, Virginia and one 
     in New Jersey.  There's also a major show in Charleston, SC on 17-19 
     April and another TASK-sponsored show on 05-07 June at Camp Arrowhead 
     in Delaware.  If you can make either of those, it would serve you well 
     to go and paddle as many boats as you can.  It may really reorganize 
     your thinking.
     
     If you do this with an open mind, see how the boat <feels>, and decide 
     if you feel good --- and, let's face it, if you <look> good --- in it, 
     that's probably the best decision aid you can get.
     
     One other thought: an awful lot of people buy new boats and decide 
     that, after a year, it's not what they wanted.  Which generates a 
     pretty good secondary market --- pre-dinged boats!  Eliminates the 
     problem with getting that first scratch in the old gelcoat!  They're 
     already a bunch of scratches included, and you paid a lot less for a 
     one-year old boat!  So, if <you> decide you don't like it in a year, 
     sell it to somebody else!
     
     Have fun with the decision.
     
     "Joq" Martin
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