: 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!

There are many good kits on the market which are designed for the inexperienced woodworker. The two largest companies are Chesapeake Light Craft (www.clcboats.com) and Pygmy (sorry, don't know their web site). Both companies offer numerous kits, and are sure to offer a design that will suit your paddling needs. Their kits are built using the stitch-and-glue technique, which is much quicker (and easier?) than a strip built boat - not to mention a much less expensive kit.

As you probably guessed from the web site info above, I chose a CLC design over the Pygmy. The instructions that come with the kit are good, but some details are left out. But those can be figured out pretty easily, and they offer outstanding technical support via e-mail. And if all else fails, the folks on this bulletin board are always willing to help out.

Don't get too hung up in the usual "CLC vs Pygmy" discussion. From what I read, both companies make a good product. So check out both, and pick a boat that will suit your needs.