New chick wanting to kayak!

I'll plan to stop in around 11-11:30 or so.  Would be neat to be at the Seminar, I have an event at the Picadilly Inn from 5-8 but it might not last the entire time, so I'll come by if I'm out early!

I'm more inclined to kayak in calm waters (more lakes than rivers) - is there a type of kayak I should focus on for this type?

After you choose a yak, make sure you can get it off and on your car by yourself if you are going to yak solo from time to time. Also, if you are going to kayak on the ocean and surf launch, the choices narrow a bit vs lake fishing vs river fishing. For my wife, comfort, ease of paddling and control in wind and current were more important than fishability.

I'm no expert, but for ease of loading and storage and stability and versatility, I would recommend trying a Malibu Mini X.  If you want the Hobie drive, try the Hobie Sport. But these are not built for speed and distance,
and I'm biased, and you should of course try everything. The end of the year is a good time to get good deals on demo kayaks.  Good luck. 

IMO if you will be covering a lot of distance you will probably want a longer yak (more efficiency), where as if you want to stay local and be more maneuverable than a shorter yak would be best. Either way i would agree that you should paddle as many as poss. and try loading and unloading before you buy.
Good Luck,
Eric

Great!  Thanks for all your help!!

At 5'4" and 120 lbs an Ocean Kayak Venus would be a decent choice.  They are extremely light < 40 lbs and track well for their short length.  The weight capacity of the Venus is only 225 lbs compared to 325 lbs for the Malibu Mini-X.  The reduced weight capacity you won't need, but the resulting slimmer and slightly longer kayak design translates to greater speed and tracking compared to the Mini-X.

My wife is of similar build to you and she had no problems lifting and car topping her Venus.  We eventually sold it when my son was born and my wife lost interest in kayaking with me.  The Venus isn't particularly a fishing model but it wouldn't be too hard to add something like a scotty rod holder to the deck.

http://www.oceankayak.com/kayaks/single_kayaks/venus_11.html

Brian

10 bucks says NewChickKayaker is just Mooch's alternate personality LOL! Haha just kidding...kinda.

The ocean kayak Venus or Scrambler sound like a good fit.

I'm not sure if being his alternate personality is a good or bad thing
I'm the real thing - that I promise
Brian can vouch.

Welcome aboard NewChickie...

Good luck with the new boat, can't wait to see what you decide on.

S.

Just messin with Mooch. 
Bienvenidos a los Madness btw. Good luck with the boat search. I wish I could get my wife excited about kayaking.

I'm up for anything outdoors - was raised fishing and camping almost every weekend.
Thanks for all your help and info!

I could say the same about the husband

Newchick, you dont have sisters named Heather and Tiffany do you?   You look just like someone I know from Alaska.  Im sure your not related as they are from Arkansas but you could be tiffany's twin.

Nope - only child (at least to my knowledge!)   haha!

This is her.  I stole the pic from her myspace.