italiankayaker

I paddled the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140 and 160, Wilderness Systems Pongo, and a Ocean Kayak sit on top. This is all I have paddled in sit on tops because everything else seems cheap compared to the WS Tarpon and that's not the way I want to go. I want comfort and features. The others don't seem to have that. I don't like the feeling of a sit in kayak, the WS Pongo, too tippy and don't like not being able to move around that much. I am pretty sure I am going to go with the WS Tarpon, just dont know the length I want, but I was thinking maybe the 140 as it tracks ok, and turns ok. The 160 takes a bit more to turn even with the rudder. The WS Pongo I didn't like at all, it just feels way to tippy, I guess all sit in kayaks are like this? The Ocean kayak felt like paddeling a tank and was not comfortable to sit in at all. The Tarpon 140 got a litte wet by my feet but I didn't mind it. The 160 was not very wet at all, guess because it's a bigger kayak, can handle more weight. I paddled these kayaks in a river that was very calm. Anyone know how the Tarpon would handle in a river with a little current or in an open bay or on the ocean with some waves? Again does anyone have ANY advice for a newbie? I haven't gotten much from you guys who I'm guessing are mostly experienced kayakers.

Hey all I am a total newbie to kayaking, never been before. I first got interested in it when I was out with my boat and saw people kayaking around. Thought it looked relaxing and started to look at kayaks to see what I would like. A little info on me I am 6'2'' and about 270ish. I would like to kayak on rivers such as the Merrimac, Charles, plum island and some smaller rivers and streams in the North Shore area and southern Maine. I do like to fish and am pretty big into photography. I will mostly just be paddling around enjoying the sights and sounds, maybe fishing once in a while and taking pictures. Should I get a SOT or sit inside kayak? I have been looking at SOT's, specifically the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140, I have sat in it and i find it very comfortable, haven't paddled it yet but am going to soon. Any one have any info on how these perform, are they pretty stable, would it be good for what I want to do with it, is that length a good length for my height and weight? Once I get out on the water, where are good places to paddle in this area? (North Shore) Any other advice you would like to give to a newbie? Sorry for all the questions, thanks in advance!