: This message is a follow up from a thread i started this spring. I
: rediscovered kayaking this summer. Like before, i had some fear since i am
: pretty tight into my kayak. The old fiberglass one i use right now has a
: 15" X 26.5" cockpit and a tight efficient outfitting (i easily
: use my tight and knee to control it). My previous S&G kayak had a 16"
: X 30" cockpit with a tight outfitting and again i had some fear. I
: raced it but i need to control myself. I don't have this type of fear in
: my canoe.

: This spring, people on this list suggested (it is a great idea) to learn to
: be more comfortable on water (and in water). Since i do a lot of cycling
: and i use my kayak only to exercise (once a week) i don't seem to get over
: it for now. I really like to be on water and use my GP paddle. In fact, i
: like GP paddle so much i don't want to stop kayaking mainly on flat water.

: Now, what can i do. I was thinking about a narrow plastic sit-on-top but i
: could build something ( i have already built a S&G and a SOF kayak). Since
: this winter, i really like Tom Yost's work. Could a Sonnet
: inflatable-foldable be built into a partially open deck kayak?

: Any other suggestion?

: Thanks!

I'd suggest a different tack, at least at first. I'd suggest taking a weekend rolling class, preferably in a pool. This I've found makes one much less fearful of the water, learning that being upside down in a kayak really isn't a problem, as a matter of fact it becomes fun. Once you learn that being upside down isn't something to fear then the boats become much less scary.

Btw, even if you don't learn to roll, for some of us (like me) it takes much more than a weekend to learn, you will do so many wet exits over a weekend that it's no biggy anymore.

Then, decide on what boat you want.

Bill H.