: Here's the question: How can I find a design that would fit me as well as the
: Carolina? What's a good basic resource? I have no idea how to start this
: process.
.
If at all possible try to go to a kayak demo where you can try out many different designs. This will give you a better idea of what you might want for comfort in the cockpit area. This is probably the most important part of a kayak. Some designs are very manuverable and others track very well. There is also differences in stability. The volume of the kayak might be another consideration. The larger the volume the more gear you can store for trips, but when not loaded it will be more supseptable to weathercocking.
Any of the wood kayak manufacturers should be able to lead you in the right direction with the information you give them.