second boat
Don’t worry too much about trying to find the “right boat” the first time out. A good, stable kayak that is easy to get in and out of, and easy to get on the water is probably a good choice. You want getting out on the water to be a fun and easy experience, not a hassle. Spend a bit more on good accessories. A quality paddle (and you don’t have to spend $200, get a fibreglass Aqua Bound Manta Ray, great all around paddle) and a pfd that is comfortable and fits well…you may have to have him pick this out.
If he paddles that stable boat for a few months and wants to upgrade to something with more performance, no problem. A second boat is always cheaper than the first because you don’t have to rebuy all the accessories. If he really takes to kayaking and you live on a lake, then having two boats is a good thing for friends, guests or even yourself.
Good luck!
Hell with the size of the lake or kayak
…I’m still sweating over the gorgeous wife, candlelight dinner and sexy nightgown which are 3 things I’d give up kayaking for.
Paddle on my friends, I’ll catch up.
G_K
PMS their is a nice used Dagger
Charleston in Chicago on craigslist for $350. Make a long weekend of it. Pick up the kayak see the natural history museum or Sheds aquarium and it will feel like an extra special x-mas. Happy shopping. Jaws
hauling the boat?
I could put down the back seat in my taurus and shove a 10 ft boat into the trunk. Maybe red caution tape on the back. Some boats are wicked heavy and the lighter the better. Demo is always great. Lots of people buy and then sell for half what they paid. Used ,light and easy to haul are the keys.
Hurricane Santee 100
I have a Hurricane Santee 100. I’m still paddling it. It only weighs 33 lbs, it fits in the back of my truck, and it’s very stable. My wife bought it for me! I think it’s a good first choice for a kayak.
Paula, more suggestions
Make a gift card for a trip with him to the local outfitter in the Spring, so he can choose his boat. Also get a gift certificate from the local outfitter for basic paddling and safety lessons for both of you (they supply the boats usually) in the Spring.
Meanwhile, buy him a really good PFD and a good paddle (the lighter the better, the best you can afford right now, and don’t skimp on that) and put those under the tree for him.
Most outfitters have demo days in the spring. You can try their boats for free (or a small fee). It is worth it to have him try some boats first. Could save a lot of problems in future. If he hates how a certain boat feels to him, he won’t paddle it.
Good luck, and welcome to p.net – sorta like a cross between Paddlers’ Wikipedia and the Comedy Central of the Paddling World.
– Ness
Just my 2 cents,
Buy him a Pungo 120, it has the phase 3 seat so he can spend hours relaxing in the boat without numbness or pain. Buy it in his favorite color, (green is nice);>), and put a huge bow around it. Let him buy the pfd, paddle, etc, later. Works for me!
Paula,
I agree that you should let your husband choose his own. He really should paddle as many as possible before he settles on one.
In the past, my husband bought me some horrible gifts because he listened to salespeople. Like they’d know better than he would what I’d like!!??!!
Now we just figure how much we can spend and either buy something for the two of us or we split it and buy what we want indivudally.
This year I got a tent and he got computer stuff.
We’re both happy. 
Must it be a surprise?
Might be good to take him along and have him sit in a few to see what grabs his fancy.
If he’s going to fish and drink beer, he might prefer a SOT to a SINK type.