What is the best kayak for me?

Question

looking to buy a 2 kayaks, one for 130 lb woman, one for 200 lb man, both beginners

Answer 1

It depends on if you want o be on the lake or the river, if you specify I may be able to help more

Answer 2

For river kayaking I don't recommend that beginners spend hundreds of dollars on new boats.  There are hundreds of barely used boats for a fraction of the price.  An old school displacement type boat is better for learning than the newer playboats with their planing hull. Some models to look for are Dagger Crossfire or RPM;  Perception Dancer,  Corsica or Pirouette;  Wavesport Z.

Answer 3

There are all sorts of kayaks out there.  Even within a single category of boats, say 'whitewater kayaks', there are play-boats, rodeo boats, creek boats, touring boats and on and on.  

If you are simply paddling flat water in good weather then a sit-on-top kayak may be for you.  There are tandem boats that you can do as a team (although that's been known to test the compatability of any relationship!) and a wide variety of single boats.  The best thing to do, if you can, is go down to your local kayak place, maybe REI, and look at a few different ones and try them out.  Also consider inflatable boats.  

If you are beginners I strongly recommend taking some lessons.  Wilderness First Aid and CPR, too, especially if you will be paddling in wilderness or out-of-the-way areas.  If you are going to be doing surf, ocean, or white-water then lessons are essentially mandatory.  

Good luck, its a great sport however you do it.