I agree that purchasing a used plastic kayak is a great way to start. Also, a tandum is not a bad idea. Our first kayak was an open tandum, {Pamlico by Wilderness Systems}. And it still gets lots of use taking beginners out for their first paddle in a kayak, taking children out for a spin, for bow fishing, etc. And yes, it is heavy and not real fast, but it is our SUV of kayaks. BTW we do have several other kayaks.

John VB