I'd recommend any stitch and glue kit. Chesapeake Light Craft (http://www.clcboats.com) and Pygmy Kayaks (http://www.pygmyboats.com) both have designs that are easily constructed by people with only rudimentary carpentry skills. Pick one that you like the look of and build it!

Do you have any paddling skills? Have you paddled before? Any commercial boats whose handling you like, and would like to find something similar in a wood boat?

If you have never paddled before, I'd recommend a kayaking class, either during construction (for a sometimes needed break!) or afterward, with your new boat. Kayaking is a fun activity, but it can be dangerous. You can easily get into conditions that are well above your skills and ability, and you need to know how to be safe in them, and get safely back to shore (or know how to avoid them in the first place) to build kayaks another day!

Shawn

: Anyone have any suggestions on a good wood kayak kit to purchase? This would
: be my first kit of any kind so I am afraid of getting a kit which is
: beyond my abilites. Good, clear directions and just basic carpentry skills
: would be a big plus. Thanks a lot!