Hard to comment usefully Posted by: Celia on Dec-05-12 8:46 PM (EST)
It appears that you are just starting out.. have you gotten any seat time in a sea kayak thru either guided tours or lessons? Comparing these two boats well will be difficult if you don't have seat time to understand well what you are hearing. Tracking straight to someone with time in a boat is a whole different discussion for a newbie than for a more experienced paddler, as are thing like your personal tolerance for weather cocking which might be different between these two boats. Fine tuned discussions about fit often make no sense to new paddlers, until they take their first all day lesson or rolling class. Until then, they often feel best in boats that are too big for them. If you are desperate to get a boat now, and I am correct about your experience so far, either of these would do. The Tempest is a totally reliable all-around boat, it'll do anything you need it to, the Venture will also get you started OK and if is cheaper it'll leave you more room for all the other stuff you will need like good clothing and a decent paddle. I wouldn't fall in love with any first boat though... if you really like the sport you'll find yourself being pretty fickle within months.