What is the best all purpose kayak for a novice?

Question

I usually kayak on sea, lake, and gentle white water rivers and have been kayaking for years. I have always rented/borrowed but am now looking into getting my own kayak. I want a good priced or even used single, closed deck kayak that can be used in all those places. I'm tiny but tall (5'8", 110lb female) so I would like advice on size as well, in consideration of my own size and locations I intend to use the kayak. Thanks!

Answer 1

I like the Sea Kayak but it is only good for warm water because it is an open top and you get wet.  They are very stable and many peope SCUBA and skin dive off of them.

Answer 2

Many outfitters will sell their demos at the end of the season.  Based on how you described using the boat I'd recommend a good rec kayak.  

I use mine for mild white water (8 ft swells in Lake Michigan) and lots of river and flat water paddeling.  I don't have the fastest boat out there, but I get a good workout and find it quite relaxing.

btw I have a couple of different Walden Kayaks that are no longer made.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

The more water line the easier to paddle and faster it will go. 14 to 18 feet what ever you can handle is good. It is easier to get a longer one on the car top. Look in local papers for a used one, so you can go see it and not have to worry about shipping. Dealers often have demonstration models available for sale after a season. (Maybe there are rental agencies in your area or camps.These of course might be in worse condition) We found ours in the newspaper, an older couple that were moving on to something simpler.

Answer 4

Dagger makes some nice hybrid kayaks that work fairly well on both types of water.  I  own a dagger sea kayak and whitewater boat and love them both. I used to work for an outfitter and sold a bunch of both types.  Check out their website at www.dagger.com