classes are well worth it
as far as the yak goes
there is no "perfect" kayak
you need to look at where you plan on using it and what the conditions are like
for instance
a kayak designed for rapids will SUCK BALLS on a lake or in a calm river
a kayak designed for lakes or touring will not work as well in a river with rough water
longer thinner kayaks tend to be faster and track better but are also less stable for beginners
shorter kayaks will almost always be easier to maneuver but will not track as well
wider kayaks will have higher initial stability and feel better for beginners
the design of the bottom of the kayak also has a lot to do with how it tracks... flatter bottoms usually will not track as straight and will require more steering input than a more V shaped bottom
there are a LOT of options out there... if you can, try to rent different kayaks next time... if there are any other rental shops around you try to use them as well... you want to use as many different types and brands as you can before you decide to plunk down your cash
it is just as important to figure out what you DONT want, as it is to figure out what you DO want
test drive everything you can
look for info online regarding types of kayaks and their features and uses
the more educated you are as a consumer the less likely you will make a stupid purchase and waste time and money
also talk to the people who work at the kayak shops, once you get an idea of what it is you are looking for they will be able to point you in directions that are likely to get you into the right kayak for your uses
