I decided on the wilderness systems "The Ride". I called Bill at Austin kayak and canoe and I have a hold on a mangrove colored Ride. I will be picking it up Thursday evening and then driving to a friends house for the night and in the AM we will be taking our yaks to the Bosque river for some fishing. This will give me a chance to really try it out and then know how I want to rig it out over hte weekend. Pretty stoked on the new kayak. Now all I have left to buy is one more for my daughter. She is going to get a MAinstream from academy, my son will be getting the Hobie that we have now. If anyone is thinking on getting a kayak, I suggest Austin kayak and canoe. They have the best prices around that I could find and they have been selling and especially paddeling a long time. Randy

The Ride is a GREAT kayak. There is an Austin chapter of the TKF and you can join up with one of the outings, get togethers, etc and get all the tips you need. They have lunch once or twice a month at Rudy's or some place else. You can meet the guys and get some help if you need it.

Good choice in yaks. The ride is really a nice ride. I am thinking that will be my nexy modeal as well. You are right about Austin G&G , really nice store and the folks there are real helpful.

I like the more pontoon style hull of "The Ride" too. VG choice CCL. Bill also is a good person. Bought my Tarpon from him. Will buy a tandem from him if he can get it. Either a Pamlico 135T or a Tarpon 130T.

My Kayak buddy here at work with me in Waco has bought all 3 of his yaks from Austin. He has the Cobra navigator and the Cobra triple. The triple is great for taking 2 or 3 people out on. Very stable ride. His first was the Hobie Odysse, which is now mine. I will be picking the ride up tomorrow then making a trip to my buddies house for some quick rigging. I am putting on the anchor trolley for now. I will be putting a depth finder and a few cleats and pad-eyes later once I know where I really need them to be, and a few rod holders, probably 2 flush mounts and 1 post mount. It is hard not to go get it today and start the mini vacation early! Bill, your right about the other website, I was a member there before I came here. I go there to read a lot but don't do much posting. I hope to see some of you guys out on the water sometime.