Likewise I have never been in a kayak before - but would like to give it a try after some experience with canoes. I have built two strip canoes but haven't decided yet on which method to use for a kayak.

> My stitch and glue from Nicks offsets is done. Four weeks of
> 4 days each. I used luaun plywood with flush hatches that release
> from the inside of the cockpit. If the hatches continue to keep out
> water and someone is interested I'll try and post a drawing. Until
> yesterday I had never sat in a kayak. I have always used a tripping
> canoe that weighed 98 pounds and wasn't exactly capable of what I
> wanted. The kayak comes in at 51 pounds, glassed inside and out. What
> a difference when you have to climb 4 flights of stairs!!! Once it
> was finished I headed straight to the lake, now since I have not finished
> my paddle, I had to launch into the wind and paddle with my hands
> :) . I love the feel of a kayak and I can't wait to finish the paddle
> and go practice. Thanks everyone for the tips and especially Nick
> for this site. Now to the dismay of my girlfriend/assistant, I am
> looking forward to building a strip built, we just can't decide if
> it will be for me or her.