"Barry" writes:

bit of an adrenalin junky. Now that I'm retired and older, grayer, fatter
and uglier...I have to be a bit more cautious about what situations I put
myself in. For those of you lucky enough to have found this sport early on
in life, congratulations. What a great sport!

I'm also a relative newcomer, and I totally sympathize. I recently acquired
a more sophisticated boat and I'm also having a lot of fun with it! It's
quite amazing the difference a couple inches in width and length can make
in a kayak. My current boat is rather narrow (22.25 inches) and 17' long.
The handling is exceptional.

The only downside is that I currently live in northern Illinois, so the
paddling options for sea kayaks are rather limited - I spent most of my
time on rivers and small lakes. I have not yet had the nerve to try Lake
Michigan - I'd rather get more formal training before getting that
adventurous.

Have fun with it, and be safe!


--
"Those who would sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither."
- B. Franklin