Catriona, I didn't know you used to live in Richmond. That's cool! I love it here, such a nicer pace than DC, where I lived for six years. I'm one mile from the calm part of the James downstream from downtown, and I also have access to a house on the Chesapeake Bay, where I currently paddle the SOT.

I'm very familiar with the Appomatox store. I'm not a fan of Craigs List, but I'll check it from time-to-time. There's another outfitter in Mathews that has a good selection of used boats, and they have demo days in the fall. I definitely would want to demo any boat that I'm considering. I've paddled some that are just too big (wide) me and it's difficult to brace and roll in them. I end up falling out, which is better than getting stuck, but not ideal.

Thanks for the tips!