Need half choosing!
wow! Exactly the kind of input I was looking for! I’ve researched, read articles, and looked at reviews…but yours is the kind of input that only comes from experience! Thank you, RavenWing, gnatcatcher and sissy 103! This forum has been so valuable! Educated and enlightened me! Totally changed my mind about what to purchase! Following up on ALL suggestions! Have plans to take my maiden voyage end of Aug., so will decide/purchase soon!
Need help choosing
Thank you, string, Rival51 and Bernie! Appreciate your advice and links! Making my decision easier, AND a better match for my individual needs!
Need help choosing!
Thank you, “Goose”! Very helpful link!
message me anytime
if you like. I owned a Phoenix SOT, helped a couple other women get theirs, and on Saturday I get to paddle a Hurricane Skimmer 116. The new Skimmer 128 is just out too.
sissy103 owns both a Phoenix and a Skimmer, she is an excellent source on both.
That is not to say they’re the only ones, or “best” ones out there.
there are many good ones to explore. Be sure to demo as many as you can. Questions like stability, wet vs. dry ride, handling, and weight to manage (on water and off) will all answer themselves.
Try paddles of different materials and of slightly different lengths (most like 230-240cm in your case) which is a learning process, too.
SOTs are fun. And, if you can restrain yourself (lol) there will be lots of sales after Labor Day.
Curious
RW, I’ll be curious to hear what you think about the 116. I’m missing mine right now; it’s in Florida and I’m not. 
Coming from the land of SINKs, I was impressed with it. I didn’t even try the 128 due to storage issues. My husband got a great deal on an Ocean Kayak Caper, but I definitely prefer the Skimmer.
What? what?
I thought you were going to demo the Skimmer 128, too. And they’re introducing the Skimmer 140, as well, so I hope you get to hop on that.
Need help choosing!
Thank you! Don’t know if I can wait for the sales, tho! (Backcountry has a sale on Venice 11 now…Austin Kayak has a good reg. price w/ free shipping too) still scanning for used kayaks , too, to see if I can snag a better quality one within my budget. Will keep everyone posted on my final choice, and feedback Re: my maiden paddle! = )
Skimmer 116
is in their demo fleet right now.
I don’t think they’ve taken delivery on the 128 yet. A lot of dealers are still awaiting their first ones.
will definitely let you know
I’m curious to try it out myself. Used to own a Phoenix 120 so it will be interesting.
Had a shot at demoing the first Eddyline Caribbean in the midwest (originally Calypso, but that’s another story) last year, but the Midwest rep retired.
Like the Cubs, there’s always next year.
ski vests
you will find are quite different than PFD’s designed for paddlers. Once you try one you will see how much difference there is in the cut and feel.
Just saw this ad.
http://www.backcountry.com/ocean-kayak-tetra-12-kayak-sit-on-top?CMP_SKU=JOP0260&MER=0406&sid=JOP0260&CMP_ID=DM_CRT001fb&mv_pc=r350&mr:referralID=e3d79bf7-003e-11e3-a969-001b2166c2c0
UPDATE: from Kc643
THANK YOU to all who helped educate me in the art of kayak selection & kayaking! I ultimately chose the Ocean Venus 11 as my first kayak…and I LOVE KAYAKING! I’m certain this won’t be my LAST kayak purchase! I so appreciate your input, and this discussion site!