How small are you Marcia? Seda's new Starlet (14-10) is a narrowed Gypsy (15-2) and I think it would be better for a small paddler unless you are looking for maximum stability for some reason. This is advice from someone who has sold more than 1/2 of all the Gypsies ever made (and thinks it is a very good kayak at a great price). I talked Seda's owner Joe Sedevic, into making a kayak 2" narrower as I felt the Gypsy was just too stable for real small women paddlers (with their lower, more stable, centers of gravity). The new Starlet is that kayak. I've paddled it several times now and have been impressed by how fast it was for its length (among other things). Other kayaks I'd try out if you get the chance: Nimbus Solander (16-2) and Cygnet (14-9) models Mariner Elan (16-1.5) and Coaster (13-5) models (of course) Necky Tornak (15-6) PWS Wigeon (14-3) and Avocet LP (16-0.5) models Wilderness Systems Tchaika (13-11), Alto (15-9) and Shaman Pro (12-8.5) models Dagger Meridian SK-S (16-0) Formula Kayaks (Impex) Mystic (14-0) QCC 400 (15-2) Not necessarily in that order. Some of the above models I like a lot better than others. However, I've paddled these and thought they would be suitable kayaks for smaller paddlers. If a kayak is not mentioned here it is either because I haven't tried them, thought they were too big for small paddlers, or too hard to turn for a small paddler, or too squirrelly for anybody but a river kayaker, or I seriously didn't like them for some other reason when I tried them out. Some of the above may be discontinued models that you might find only as used kayaks. Matt Broze www.marinerkayaks.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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