I tentatively step my foot up to the plate after having loitered around for awhile. Im relatively new to canoes and kayaks having only rented fibreglass ones from the local sports shop here in Mandurah Western Australia... so Im no real brain when it comes to these craft... ie: be gentle :o)
My questions are quite simple

1) Im 45yrs 5'7" weigh in at 11 stone (?? other measurements) have reasonably good carpentry skills (furniture) intention is to paddle in rivers estuary and streams around Western Australia. help needed regarding what design would be best for my present "novice" status.

2) Does anyone know of any Western Australian builders and or kayakers? I need to meet up have a yarn and maybe a paddle to figure all this out up close and personal... or any clubs maybe?

3) The style and look of sea kayaks appeals over other designs, what impact if any would that have for me? ie: would it be better to build a more simpler design to learn with or look at the long term? (surely im not gonna be a novice for that long?)

4) Are there any designs being created within Australia? I ask this simply because our $ is so lousy here and the conversion is huge in many cases.

5) Final... I have spoken with other spinal injured people who are into canoes and the idea of rebuilding my back, neck and upper body strength (no indepth questions or responses I dont know that that would be right here?) doing it this way appeals over daily sessions in the gym, spa and hydrotherapy pools.. am I right in this aim? I have movement although restricted mainly over left side, arm, leg, back and neck through industrial and motor vehicle accidents.. (the rest of me is fine!)

Okay if you can help me here it would be great if not I will keep looking and probably get the lightning 17 from Waters Dancing in Canada... great mob by the way quick and helpfull email contact.

Shane