I'm picking up my very first kayak tomorrow at REI. I've been a few times and have loved it. It's an Old Town Vapor 10 (it was on sale). At 10 feet it'll fit inside my van. I'm really excited. We have a reservoir about 7 miles out from town that is beautiful where I plan to do most of my kayaking. I have a very good friend who's quite proficient who'll help me get going. I'm soooo excited. I'll report back to y'all.