: I have built two S&G kayaks by Eric Shade, the Widgeon, that are 14 ft long
: and 24" wide. I am contemplating on building a narrower strip kayak
: for learning to roll. I am 5'8" and 140Lb. Why do most people choose
: such long (17-18ft) kayaks? I understand the advantages of higher hull
: speeds and higher volumes to carry gears, but don't plan on doing any
: racing or over-night camping, just paddling in local lakes and Long Island
: Sound on calmer days. I had drawn up a few 14x20 kayaks with Ross Leidy's
: Kayakfoundry, with design displacements of around 185Lb with 3.5"
: draft. Before I cut wood, any suggestions or advice?

: Thanks, from Guilford, CT.

If you don't mind going slow, a shorter kayak will usually be easier to paddle at slower speeds than a longer one. Just doesn't have the ability to go fast if you want to. Also to gain the same amount of floatation a shorter kayak has to be wider so it'll tend to be a bit more difficult to roll, it's just more stable upside down than a skinner one.

Bill H.