: Hi guys,

: I will be a new adept of kayaking next summer and I would like to build my
: own kayak. What would be the first thing for me to look for? Only plans? A
: kit?

Louis,

Roger's advice to rent several boats to find out what you like is a good idea. Then come back and ask us what wood boat designs are similar to the boats you like. After building two boats for my wife I can tell you that the majority of the wood boats are designed for men. The first one was too big and the second one is just right. She loves it. The number of models suitable for someone less than 150 lbs. is fairly slim in comparison to the total. If you care to tell us your height and weight, we can list those that you should consider.

When evaluating a boat pay attention to how easy it turns, how well it goes in a straight line, how it handles waves, how the wind blows it around, and how tippy it feels. Ignore if you can bad seats and other things that you can change in your own boat. Also realize that most wood boats weigh less than their plastic and fiberglass counterparts, sometimes a lot less.

If you tell us in what part of the world you live, someone on this board might live close enough to lend a boat for a test drive.

Go paddling and have fun.

Ted