I want to buy my first kayak, and wanted to know what would ...

I want to buy my first kayak, and wanted to know what would be a good one to start with, but also one that I will be happy with down the road. I have all the other gear, aside from a paddle and the kayak of course.

A few things:
-Get something that fit's.Something that you will be able to roll in the future without falling out of or equiping with 10lbs of padding.

-Go for something with two bulkheads.

-Go to an outfitter that allows you to rent kayaks with the money going towards purchase. I know trailhead in Ottawa allowed me to pick any boat I wanted to try for the day, bring it back and my rental went towards purchase.

-Dont buy a big box store brand of crappy kayak. You will enjoy it until you meet up with someone who has a good kayak.Then you'll regret saving 300 dollars on a piece of _______.

Abduk is right Two bulkheads will give you more paddling options. Demo as many kayaks as you can, see what fits, is stable for you, and meets your needs. A good all around size is 14ft. It will give you more speed, and tracking but can be used in twisty slow rivers. It will also give you more room for gear. A twelve footer would be my next choice. Anything shorter than that and after a short while you will be looking to upgrade. Two models that I like are Current Designs Kestrel 140 (14ft) or 120 12(ft) another great kayak is wilderness systems Tsunami 120 through 140 (12ft,12.6ft ....)It's a little narrower than the Kestrel, but its better to grow into it than have to upgrade. Jules