Good Kayak?

[April]

I am going to start Kayaking this summer. I would like to know what the best type/brand would be for a beginner. I am so at a loss and don't know where to start!

[jason]

I would start with the use of the kayak. Are going to go camping, carrying camping gear, or just touring around. Second would be the water. Are you going into open waters such as a bay or ocean where you will get waves, calmer water in rivers, or maybe some white water rapids?

All that being said, I love my Malibu. I take it into the Gulf and on the rivers. It is a sit on top, so I can get in and out easily. I can carry a ton of weight on it. A drawback is that it is heavy. If you ask my brother, he likes Native. I find them more like a canoe though.

[Origami]

If you are a beginner you want something wider so it's more stable (around 27 - 28 inches). Then you need to consider where you wanna kayak rivers, lakes, etc. If you wanna do white water start off with slower moving rivers in someting short like 8 to 9 ft like an OLd Town Otter. If you wanna do calmer water, but like rivers and lakes try an Old Town Vapor. They track straiter so your not wasting enrgy paddling side to side, but are more manueverable for the rivers. Wanna do some camping out of them consider an Old Town dirigo or Necky Manitou which have dry storage compartments.

[le Metis]

April, everyone has brought up great points, and the Old Town boats are great starters. As you're new to the sport I would suggest starting off with easy paddles and treks, nothing more then maybe a weekend for the first few months for skill building in flat water, afterwards bump it up to easy waters with nothing more then Class C's and I's to continue skill building. If you have access to a pool, or a lake front then practise both wet exits, and rolls. As always, set your own pace for learning, and when you're ready for the bigger stuff such as week long trips, or heavier water you'll know...as always stay safe, and have fun.
But, as I said, everyone has brought up great points except one, and this is your insurance policy...the PFD. Lots of great brands out there, but don't go cheap and buy those Wal Mart horseshoe collar ones. Look for a vest type Class III , or a Class lll/V PFD with good floatation, with little to no ride up. Also, if you've plans to run rapids, or rocky rivers a good helmet is another worthwhile investment..