Hi Dave,
Iv'e have bin kayaking for about 10 years. I think Paula is on
the right track. Try as many different boats as you can.A friend of mine is
going through the same thing. (to many specs confusion) So i'm taking him to
the West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium in Sept. Symposiums like this offer a
great opportunity to try alot of boats side by side right on the beach. They
also have all kinds of classes. You can probably find one in your neck of
the woods. Try the calendar section of Sea Kayaker Mag.(www.
seakayakermag.com)

Happy paddling,Marv