Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I researched for days prior to ordering this Kayak and I am so thankful I took the plunge and purchased it. My goal in writing this review is not just to tell you what I experienced with my new kayak but to encourage anyone that is struggling with their size not to let it keep you from getting out there. I am 5 8' 320 pounds give or take and I am trying my best to get out and be active. I loathe the gym and I am trying to find things that I can do. I have always been athletic but due to injuries from working out being the size I am has made adventures quite challenging and sometimes painful. But here's the skinny on my maiden voyage. My kayak arrived 2 days after order and I had a planned to head to the lake with a friend to try it out immediately. I inflated it in my home because I did not want any surprises happening on the lake. I ordered new paddles before my kayak arrived because of so many other reviewers reporting how crappy the ones are that come with the kayak and I must agree on that point. It was easy and quick to inflate but I have yet to figure out the back pack which also is the back support, The kayak fully inflated is very light and easy to transfer from the car to the lake area. There was a boat launch where we were which was nice. I decided to straddle the kayak to sit down into it as recommended by another reviewer, it wasn't pretty but it worked. I realize that the boat is made to hold up to 400 pounds but it did sag in the middle some and my bottom was wet the entire time but I didn't care because I was finally able to kayak!! It takes a while to balance and paddle at the same time as it does not track as well as a hard shell kayak but I got into a great rhythm and figured out how far to place the paddles in the water to maintain my stride and balance. The friend I was with had a hard shell kayak and I kept up with her perfectly. The back support is not much of a support but to me it was comfortable because I liked sitting back while I paddled. The top and back came up slightly out of the water and there was a small crease where I sat on the kayak but to be honest I didn't really care what I looked like I just wanted to be out on the water. The material was very durable and we were out when it was in the 90's. My dog laid comfortably on my leg as I paddled and her nails were no problem at all. My first voyage was over 2 hours and I loved every minute of it and I can't wait to get back out there. So all in all I am giving this kayak 5 stars. It's an inexpensive alternative and it worked well for me.