Looking to rent or try an OK Caper (anyone?)

Well I'm finally getting closer to buying my first yak!
I attended the demo day put on by Sunrise Mtn Sports at Del Valle earlier this summer, and since then I've paddled/pedaled a lot of kayaks at several places.

I've finally narrowed down my choices to the Ocean Kayak "Caper" or the Hobie Quest.
I've paddled the Quest several times, and sure like it but if I can find something shorter like the Caper and if the Caper it paddles straight and fast enough for me, I will buy it. (the Quest is just a tad bit too long and heavy for my preferences, and storage options)

Here's the problem:
All of the kayak rental places are closing/closed for winter. I called 12 different places today, no go. 

I was able to examine the Caper in person yesterday at Sports Chalet in Pleasanton, and I really like it overall, but without trying it out on the water, I don't feel comfortable ordering it.

I REALLY want to get a kayak in the next few weeks (anniversary present from wife!) so I can get away to the water whenever we get decent weather in the coming months (today is gorgeous -- shoulda called in sick, grin)

Anyways.... does anyone here know of a place that rents the Caper?

Or perhaps one of you owns a Caper and might let me try it out?  (lunch on me!)

Thanks for any help
I'm in Pleasanton/Livermore area but willing to drive anywhere in the bay area to rent/try

(Replying to my own post)

Good news, I have a lead.  Outback Adventures (SJ/Larkspur) has the Caper for rent.
So I'm gonna try it out next Saturday

Get ahold of Rockhopper, he has survived several years on one.  I am sure he can give you a detailed review. 

Excellent - thank you very much Scwafish

The caper is a fine boat if you are a smaller guy.

I paddled one in my first tournament as a loner and it was just fine for me (5'8" 200) but its storage was a little lacking.

I would seriously consider the Prowler 13 if you are looking at the caper.

MolBasser

  got one hanging in the garage.  i'm in saratoga.  swing by anytime.  i'll pm you with details.  alan

i got 2 if you wanna try it out.im in cupertino.there great boats for smaller people.very light

Wow, thanks Alan & gto19. Rock on!

Ok, I spoke w/ Alan yesterday and will be borrowing his Caper this weekend.
I'm gonna take her out on Lexington reservoir Sunday and see how it goes.

-Ted

Researcher~
How tall are you and how much do you weigh?

Hey tote
I'm 6' 200lbs
I actually rented a Caper from Outback Adventures 2 weekends ago, and took it out on Stevens Creek reservoir.
Man, I really liked this little kayak. It wasn't real fast, but I the positives really outweighed any negatives (mostly just the speed). I liked the way I fit into it, the footrests worked fine, the ride was pretty dry (scupper holes behind seat in case any water got in), large bow hatch, and optional seat hatch. Good primary/secondary stability, Etc, etc.

I mostly paddle to get away from it all (relaxation). I don't fish (yet?) so I'm just looking for a smaller/lighter yak I can hang in my (short) garage, and shoot on over to Del Valle, or one of the nearby lakes in the bay area for some exercise/relaxation. Seems the Caper is just the boat for me. I'm gonna make sure by borrowing Alan's for 2 weeks, then I'll prolly order my own.


I picked up a couple of planter "J-hooks" from OSH last night after work. Gonna wrap 'em in pool noodle foam and mount em on the garage wall. This will be my super high-tech kayak hanger