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.

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/

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.

An Avocet "tippy"? I've never heard anyone I know who's paddled one say
that before (my wife has one hung up in the garage and I know a couple
of other (very happy) owners). Try an old Nordkapp if you want to know
what "tippy" /really/ feels like! ;-/

Seriously, the Avocet is *not* inherently tippy, you just need to get
used to it.

As for growing out of it, the main limitation is on physical packing
space for major expeditions, but by "major" I'm talking about a week or
more. Having two oval hatches makes it easy to maximise the space
available and you can get a good amount in.

I swim well, however.

You shouldn't need to, but I wouldn't suggest paddling alone if you're
new to the game and not confident in your boat, and aren't happy with
your roll either. Seems like some skills coaching might be a Cunning Plan.

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/

JSB wrote:


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.

Hello JSB, you don't say what kayaking experience you have so I will
assume none. It would be a good idea for you to contact a local club
and see about some training. I don't think the Avocet is widely
regarded as a tippy boat, you may just need to get to know it a bit
better.
Many of the skill taught at clubs in river boats are useful for sea
kayaking.
Make sure you have the necessary safety gear if you like solo paddling,
a paddle float and a bilge pump for sure and make sure you are dressed
for the water if you feel the boat is tippy.
Then theres a mobile or VHF and flares etc etc.

Get in touch with a local club, They may do pool sessions where you can
get your braces and even rolling sorted out.