Wow, did you ever pick a topic that could keep this board humming for days :-) Well, here's my $.02...

As a starter, you'd be well advised do some serious researching on the archives of this site. There are some amazingly skillful people who participate on a regular basis and can offer tons of insight/opinions. Several of the contributors have their own companies and web sites worth checking out as well. There also is a good forum for those interested in the skin-on-frame baidarka (not certain of the URL).

A good second step is to buy Nick's book (primarily oriented toward strip built) and Chris K.'s book (oriented to stitch and glue methods). Both have tons of great info and technique, regardless of the type of boat you ultimately build and both have some detailed plans for building various models of boats.

Look for the type of boat that fits:

– the type of paddling you intend to do (day only or multi-day camping)
– the severity of conditions you plan to encounter (ultra light or bombproof)
– your height/weight and body type in conjuntion with the first two factors
– quantity of time you can devote to the project (How long are you willing to wait to be on the water?)
– quantity of $$ you can spend on the actual wood or kit for the boat
– quantity of $$ you can spend on the tools
– leave enough in the budget to get to the water and be safe once you're there (car/truck rack, PFD, spray skirt, safety equipment, etc.)

Like many other things in life, at some point you just have to "hold your nose and jump into the unknown" but don't worry, you'll have TONS of great advice and support on this forum.

Work safe and paddle safe!! Good luck!