: Would someone please compare these two kayaks. From the elevation views, they
: look surprisingly similar. Which provides the greater cockpit area,
: meaning ease of entry and exit.

I am bulding the heron right now, the cockpit on the high deck version is similar in size to my expedition single and that proves no problem to get in and out of. The low deck is a bit tighter and that might cause trouble with in the exiting. But it is surprisingly easy to get out of the tightest yak when you are looking at the sea floor:) I am 5"11 170.

Things that can make entry and exit easier are a low profile coaming and a flatter back deck. The higher front and lower back deck heron would be easy to pop out of.

You can adjust the size of the cockpit when you are making the boats so if you need a larger opening you can make it.

I imagine nick picked a cockpit size that he liked and carried it through most of his designs so they are going to be pretty similar.

As far as design the heron is less rounded than the guillemot so it seems that it is a bit easier to strip.

both are great looking boats pick the one that appeals to ya.

my ramblings,

Tom