Buying my first kayak

Hi all,

I've been wanting to own a kayak for several years, but live in an apartment and never had the space until now. I'm fortunate enough to finally be able to move into an actual house with a garage soon so I will be buying a paddle SOT kayak in the near future. Recently got cross bars installed so now it's just a waiting game!

I'm definitely interested in getting a pedal kayak sometime in the future, but can't justify the cost yet, especially with moving expenses and all that comes along with it.

Hoping to do some research a learn a bunch from you all!

congrats and enjoy the process of finding your first kayak.  Demo it on the water prior to purchase if at all possible.  Online reviews can be a little overwhelming and not always the best.  A test paddle/pedal will help tremendously.  You came to the right place for any advice or to gain some knowledge.  The search feature will be your friend in finding a lot of good information.

Demo you  can go to a good kayak shop and demo as many kayaks as you want  cheap
I have been through 5 different kayaks first was wilderness nice fishing but two heavy
Next was eddy line very light  stable but slow on a long paddle then I bought a 19 stealth light and fast but very long to mange and stow in garage. Currently I have a revo 13  very stable to fish and crab ocean or lakes, love it. But it’s heavy if I have to carry it to the launch site or back I can’t do it alone and load it on my truck.  I normally fish alone not by choice but the way it is. I also have stealth 460 my favorite, love it very stable fast to paddle weighs 55 lbs. I can pick it on put on my shoulder and walk up a rocky beach or stairs and much easer to load on my truck. I am getting older it’s important I can hall myself if need be.  My point demo try a few talk to people see what your needs are. If you can’t hall it to the water you won’t use it.

Welcome to the madness Edoy 

Welcome! Keep your eye out for the unicorn used kayaks, since frequently people buy them, never use them, and dump them cheap during the winter. I paid $200 for mine, it's a 20+ year old paddle only, and it's the best $200 I have ever spent. My kayak has been discontinued but if I had to get another one tomorrow, I'd get https://swellwatercraft.com/swell-launches-2020-version-of-the-scupper-14-kayak/  because it's the closest thing. Tight lines and hope you find an awesome kayak that makes you happy.

Welcome to NCKA edoy.