We have only been doing it since the Summer of '99, but it a great 3-season sport. We go on day trips and occasionally overnights, and have paddled on the Connecticut, Saco and Pemigawasset Rivers, and lots of lakes, ponds and marshes in NH. I would be glad to share our experiences on specific places we have been, if it would help you plan a trip.

We have four kayaks. MIne is a Wilderness Sealution XL, which is huge (18'), but we need the space for camping. Kathy has the other extreme, a little 9' Perception Swifty, which she likes since she can easily pick it up and throw it on the roof rack by herself. Tom has a Wilderness Cape Horn, and we have one extra for friend, which is a Perception Carolina. Both of the last two are around 15.' A lot of our friends have kayaks too, so we get to go out a lot. Plus we live on a lake, so we go out for quick trips very frequently.

We love talking kayaking with people, so feel free to ask about our experiences, or tell about yours. And I recommend that you check out the "rec.boats.paddle.touring" Newsgroup on the Internet, where you can get lots of advice and chatter.