why you chose Jackson

I leave mine in the low position.  On nice days, when the bay is flat, I often sit sideways with both feet in the water and cast lures.  You're right RacinRob, the key is pay attention to your surroundings, so you can anticipate the kayaks reaction to the condition os the water, wakes, and waves.
My next move will be to practice re-entry. 
TC

So the beginner wouldn't have dumped the tarpon?just asking. Never been in a tarpon.

   I had a tarpon 120.       I've also been paddling for 20 + years.  First started kayak surfing.   The only time I flipped that Tarpon was because I'd become so used to the stability of that Raptor that I was "negligent"  while getting in from a dock.   Fully dressed, wallet and all  I quickly got a reminder.   

 The difference in stability between a Raptor and  other kayaks has got to be experienced.    All the talk in the world about standing up etc... won't convey it.        You'll fall off a Raptor before tipping it.
 
   

Hey Jim,
   I could have listed Rides, Big Games, Raptors, PA's, but I was talking about the misconception that narrow boats are tippy.

      Funny you would list those as if they're in the same category...    The Raptor is 64 lbs with a 355 lb weight capacity..    It's 26" wide from keel to keel,
 The entire cockpit area is narrower than a Tarpon 120    shown on right,  OK Scrambler on the left.

        I'll be at Berryessa in April,   It'll be a great chance for demo's and comparisons.   

So the beginner wouldn't have dumped the tarpon?just asking. Never been in a tarpon.

   I had a tarpon 120.       I've also been paddling for 20 + years.  First started kayak surfing.   The only time I flipped that Tarpon was because I'd become so used to the stability of that Raptor that I was "negligent"  while getting in from a dock.   Fully dressed, wallet and all  I quickly got a reminder.   

 The difference in stability between a Raptor and  other kayaks has got to be experienced.    All the talk in the world about standing up etc... won't convey it.        You'll fall off a Raptor before tipping it.
 
   

Hey Jim,
   I could have listed Rides, Big Games, Raptors, PA's, but I was talking about the misconception that narrow boats are tippy.

      Funny you would list those as if they're in the same category...    The Raptor is 64 lbs with a 355 lb weight capacity..    It's 26" wide from keel to keel,
 The entire cockpit area is narrower than a Tarpon 120    shown on right,  OK Scrambler on the left.    Which one is "narrow "  ?

        I'll be at Berryessa in April,   It'll be a great chance for demo's and comparisons.