"Mike Taylor" wrote in message ...
I started doing class 1 and 2 WW in a 9'2" Critter, but it after about a
year I had to make the move to a real whitewater boat. The Critter is still
great for noodling around ocean bays and out around the islands. A rec boat
is forgiving and stable and while it doesn't do any specialized paddling
well (ie. whitewater, surfing, sea-kayaking), it will do it all. The shape
of the ends of a recreational boat is the most limiting factor; the vertical
profile cuts into the water instead of "planing", so your maneuverability is
limited. Wilko makes a good point about finding people to paddle with to

Thanks for the advice Mike (and Wilko too). There seem to be a
limited number of used kayaks on the market around here (Albany, NY,
USA). I'll have to try to seek out some club or other. There's lots
of whitewater rafting companies around, that's for sure.

BTW, what's the ADK?

Sorry about the local abbreviation. ADK = Adirondack Mountains (in
upstate NY).

-jim