: The thing is, I am thinking [rightly or wrongly!],
: that I may be able to build a VERY short kayak,
: along the lines of whitewater kayaks [say 8' long],
: for use on the lake I live at on days when it is too
: windy/ wavy to launch my 14' [plastic ;-( ] kayak.

OK, that makes more sense.

Check ClarkCraft's website. They have a number of kayak designs that fit into the short range. Don't know if they get down as short as 8', but it's probably worth checking out. They are the only plan source I know of that may have what you are looking for. And once you get that built, launch the 14' plastic yak permanently, and build yourself a 17' boat that can handle those larger waves.