Drew,

Are you interested in a Sea Kayak or a River Kayak? Sounds like you were on a rented river kayak. Most of the people on this Board are building Sea Kayaks. There is a big difference in design and function between these types of kayaks. In either case, I suggest you test run different kayaks. This is best done if you have a local Kayak Store that provides this service. Keep in mind though, what feels stable and good to you now as a novice may feel like a barge as you gain paddling skills.

Randy