Elise,

I too have paddled the Avocet and liked it. But I suggest you back up a step.
Find the local kayak club and join. Ask members what they like and why. Try
as many of their boats as possible.

See if any local dealers have demo days and try as many boats as you can.

I strongly suggest you not take a decked (sit in) boat to the beach until you
have taken some lessons.

Brian Blankinship