PGJ,
I live in Central Wisconsin, kinda in the middle of everything. Thanks for the advice - I'm really impressed with the response to my question, you guys are outstanding. I'm coming closer to making a decision, thanks for your time.

Shaun

Shaun,

: Where do you live?

: Pygmy is on the West coast and CLC is on the East coast. Both companies are
: happy to ship their kits anywhere, but the further they ship them the more
: you'll pay for shipping.

: I use the "Washington" rule: If you are clsoe to Washington State,
: then you can drop in on Pygmy. If you are close to Washington D.C. then
: you are close enough to drop in on CLC.

: They both make good products, but what you probably want to do is find
: exactly which boat style is going to fit you best -- and then buy your kit
: from the company which makes that boat. I should not surprise you if each
: boat company makes a boat which would fit you. Once you narrow down the
: competing styles you cna compare prices -- and that may be a big influence
: on your buying decision.

: Let us know how big you are -- height, weight, and shoe size. also let us
: know what your typical paddling conditions would be: Lake, river, ocean,
: etc.; and your level of experience -- do you want a sporty design for
: playing in ocean surf, or one which has a large cargo capacity for
: extended camping. Is there a comercially produced boat which you paddle
: which you are happy with?

: You should make an attempt to paddle the boat before you buy the kit. If you
: can't try one at the factory, then we may be able to find someone near you
: who has a boat similar to one which you are interested in, and who would
: be gracious enough to let you try it out. Or, you might be able to come to
: one of the many kayak 'conventions' where various boat models are
: avialable for trial.

: Just my thoughts

: PGJ