Yup, this is always a can of worms. Either choice will give you a good first boat, but you really ought to paddle some representative boats, first. Should you be anywhere near Annapolis, Maryland, CLC has been bringing a large array of kayaks to the Chesapeake Paddler Association's Wednesday night paddles --- once a month --- on the South River. It's really important, especially if you're new, to get a feel for as many boats as you can to see what's best, and the only way to really do that is to paddle them. I know CLC will try to connect you with a paddler in your area who can and will show off a CLC boat --- don't know if Pygmy does this --- or hit the CLC bulletin board and ask for a volunteer in your area.

Jack Martin