Well I am a newbie at this so dont thrash me just yet. I bought Nicks book on building a cedar strip Kayak. I am thinking the 16.5 footer will serve me well but never having set foot in a real kayak (used a little one like the Auk once for a fishing trip) I was wondering what kind of rivers I could expect to negotiate with it. Also the amount of gear I can get in the kayak...maybe 2 or 3 days worth? That is one fine looking boat on the cover...I dont plan on anything so fancy, maybe some darker woods on top and the along the water line. I have most of the tools I will need minus something to make my bead-cove on the strips. Even that I think I can pull off at the woods shop on post. I am living in Fairbanks Ak and I dont plan on moving. I might however make it to the ocean every now and then. I want to use it on the rivers around here. Most of the time it will be day trips possibly overniters but I do have a river in mind, class III river (one section). I can put in below the canyon and get the hang of this before I take the canyon. Also I have a kayaking class I plan on taking on post in the pool. I guess they teach the basics and also the eskimo roll. What else? Being a novice on a good day any tips, info, books, etc would be greatful. Also if you know of any kayakers in the great state of AK on the mainland I would appreciate it if you could get in touch with them and maybe I can talk to them about this. There is great potential for 2 and 3 day trips ending up in the ocean. Owning a 16ft cataraft and rowing in the ocean to get out would take weeks at best. Also that cover of Nicks book just grabbed me! I was thinking of doing a canoe but I really dont like canoes, dunno why, maybe its those purdy lines of the Gillemot!!!

Thanks for any help in Adv and hope yall have a great and safe holliday season!

Dan
Fairbanks Alaska