: Good point. I didn't consider or understand the technigue (edging)
: as I spent time in the chessie. In hindsight I was using sweep
: strokes (not really knowing what they were) to turn while being
: a bit frustrated. It was the opposite experience from a day
: fishing with a friend in his 9' plastic tubs. The bow would turn
: away from every paddle stroke I made!

: I will look for opportunities for quality instruction. If finances
: change I would love to find a school or week long instruction
: situation. I assume instructors can be found along the gulf
: coast here...

: Normally I would only need a gallon for daytrips but if
: participating in the everglades challenge I would probaby need
: three gallons or so. I don't want to always be near the max
: capacity of my hull either.

: I will begin to scour Craigslist and other outlets for used deals.
: I'm sure they surface from time to time. There are a lot of
: recreational boats for sale here but I do want something with
: some performance potential, and my size and need for a large
: kayak is something of a limiting factor. I will begin looking
: though. Having a used starter boat would get me on the water now
: while I strip build my dream boat...

: I really would like to just get on the water. I'm paddling a tandem
: canoe from a repro shaw and tenney seat I build after removing
: the center thwart. I enjoy kayaking more though due to being
: even closer to the water, slightly more secure and with much
: less windage. The canoe is great for area rivers and heavy gear
: loads. I'll look for a used kayak but if I don't find one I'll
: get three sheets of good ply and make a Merganser or 19'
: Baidarka. I just love the looks of the Baidarka...

Hang out around areas the local kayakers use, lots of free instruction available from paddling clubs, help finding boats and/or building too.

Padding.net has a listing of clubs too as I remember.

Bill H.