: Another question: what is the difference between a plastic/fiberglass and a
: wood Kayak?....Should I buy a plastic one first?

There are a few more choices available. If money is an issue, shop for a good used boat.

If you can't find one at a reasonable price, then consider building a plywood boat from a design that permits you to use an inexpensive plywood. Or, go for building a skin-on-frame kayak. Most of the cost will depend on what you use for the skin, but you can get in at under $200. Building time is typically about 100 hours, but some designs can be built in half that.

There are several books with plans an designs for all of these onstruction methods. Some designs are more appropriate for larger or smaller paddlers and others are more suitable for running rapids than for ocean cruising, or lake travel.

If you'ld like to narrow your range from "a kayak" to "several kayaks that are appropriate for me and my paddling", write back with some descriptions of where you paddle, or want to paddle, and how big you are. Height, weight and shoe size are the major measurements. I know, shoe size sounds like a joke, but some designs have low decks, and little foot room. They are great for small women and kids, but football linebackers will pinch their toes. In addition to building boats, people on this board have paddled many of the retail boats and know how they fit. You can get some input on the handling, too.

Hope to hear more from you.

PGJ