JSB wrote:

I just bought a used Valley Avocet as a first kayak.

The sales guy said I would never out grow it.

My problem now is, will I ever grow to it.

Handles nice, size fits me, maneuverable but TIPPY. The tippy is what has my
attention.. I paddle alone, often with few or any other boats of any kind on
the lake.

I swim well, however.

How heavy are you?

From http://www.valleyseakayaks.com/avocet.htm :
"The Avocet is ideal as a general sea kayak for small paddlers,
especially women, or for the average sized paddler it makes a
playful and enjoyable day boat."

I don't think 'playful' is a desirable characteristic in a sea kayak.

--
Eiron

No good deed ever goes unpunished.

How heavy are you?

165 lbs (working on becoming 155 lbs)

From http://www.valleyseakayaks.com/avocet.htm :
"The Avocet is ideal as a general sea kayak for small paddlers,
especially women, or for the average sized paddler it makes a
playful and enjoyable day boat."

I don't think 'playful' is a desirable characteristic in a sea kayak.

--
Eiron

No good deed ever goes unpunished.

Eiron wrote:

I don't think 'playful' is a desirable characteristic in a sea kayak.

I think you're wrong about that if you want to manoeuvre around rocks in
swell, for example!

The Avocet is responsive and manoeuvrable where needed but the waterline
length gives it good speed and the skeg will keep it on track. Very
good boats seem to be the verdict from everyone I know that's tried them.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/