Hello Lei,
Something to think about too is who you're paddling with. If you're paddling in a group that is paddling 17 footers and usually keeping a pretty good pace, you're going to have to paddle a little harder or faster than they are to keep up. If you're paddling primarily alone or with kayakers paddling smaller boats, then a 14 footer is fine. I paddle a 14' kayak while the other kayakers in my group are usually paddling 17'. They keep a leisurely pace and I keep up with no problem. Stroke for stroke though, I am paddling more. It works for me. I hope this helps.

Dee Ann

: 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.