Here's the deal...I've messed up my wife's birthday for the past two years
(come on...what lady doesn't love a fogless shower mirror). Anyways, she talks a lot about going kayaking (after she tried it with her friend) and I am thinking about getting her a kayak for her birthday. She doesn't really know anything about kayaks and I only know about shower accessories...so I turn to you and ask...what kayak do I by a 5'7\" women weighing about 140 pounds that is in the $500 or cheaper price range...and will make her happy so that I don't have to see her fake smile and laugh over a gift that is truly lame...my cat whose space I take when I have to sleep on the couch thanks you...oh she will probably use it to go down rivers and in calm lakes, but not really with rapids, and she does not fish, but I think she would think it was cool if it could hold a little bit of gear...but is not too big...Dr. Giggles thanks you again.

PS..please ignore the typos...and don't tell my 12th grade english teacher

Hi mate,

Perhaps you should consider something along these lines:

www.fluidkayaks.co.za/Leisure.htm

The two on the right. The Chumani, a single seater and the Synergy, a two seater. These are both sit on top kayaks. If you tip over your wife won't have that constricted feeling of being inside a closed cockpit boat. Easy to paddle and very stable. Loads of people are paddling these here on lakes and also riding in some ocean waves on these. They can also run class 2 sometimes 3 (depending) rapids and being made of plastic are very durable and strong. Better to get singles as doubles are a recipe for divorce as your patience and communications skills will be pushed to the limit Just my thoughts. Have a look around. There are plenty of manufacturers making sit-on top type kayaks. Good luck.

Ever thought of a romantic getaway as a gift?? It's a sure winner

Get her a membership to a local paddling club along with the kayak. Some other gear you might want to get is a paddle and a Personal fotation devise. I thin k a wilderness systems kayak around 10 to 14 feet would suit her fine. I have NO clue where you are located but if you are somewhat close to Cincinnati OH my group has a gearswap and trial that she could come and test out boats, Give my regards to MR. Giggles

Get her a good set of padleing gear and wait with the boat. She would get much more enjoyment from a good dry top and wetsuit than she would being stuk in the wrong boat.