-- Last Updated: Dec-19-12 12:29 PM EST --
Just like many aren't comfortable buying well made
hiking boots, sight unseen , over the internet,
without trying them ON first; so is a kayak purchase.
My advice; try before you buy.
Sit in the water and wiggle, skooch around, twist, etc.
- A kayak is worn; it becomes part of your body;
just like a hiking shoe allows you to travel terrain.
Proper kayaking involves twisting, moving, skooching.
Posture matters a lot as well, no slouching.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lef_ut8n0ms
I thoroughly believe; a round or elliptical bottom hull
offers "predictable resistance" to capsizing and
what felt skittish day one, will quickly become your friend.
NEW kayakers often paddle empty, i.e. no cargo,
making a kayak "feel" twitchy, unstable, etc.
Throw some drybags filled with few pounds of "stuff" in.
Four Nalgenes at a liter each is 8 lbs.
A kayak can be made to fit; individually custom.
People buy shoe inserts every day for hiking.
Superfeet® insoles align and control the motion
of your feet, providing balance, support, etc.
The same can and IS done with kayaks,
quite simply, in your own garage.
http://www.examiner.com/article/mini-cell-foam-custom-fit-your-kayak
A "loose cockpit" can be tightened up to fit your body.