I may be chiming in a bit late, but the most important thing is a good quality, properly sized, comfortable fitting (test it while sitting in the kayak) life jacket.

 

I have had the Old Town Loon 138 for yrs and it works out great for me. You can add the fishing rod holder and plenty of room for fishing tackle or not fishing you can put a small cooler between you legs up in front with no problem. Have taken this thing to Minn. wisconsin, to Texas at Port A. I am over 200 lbs and it works out well. My wife has a faster old town and it works out that we have the same speed with her's being faster and mine being slower but me more (energy)

 

I have a sit on top. They are probably easier for beginners as they are more stable. If you do tip it, it's easy to flip while you tread water, and as long as you have some upper body strength, you should be able to pull yourself back in without too much trouble. Just remember to teather any gear you have. I have an Ocean Kayak Frenzy. It's not very fast, but it's supper versitile (like a Jeep). It has a heavy keal, and does well in 6-8 foot waves. I live close to the beach and hitting the surf in the kayak is a blast!

Another tip, don't go cheap on a paddle. I got a fiberglass paddle for about $150...worth every penny. The aluminum paddles will get heavy really quick and they give me blisters on my hands.

 

my play boat necky zip, fun surfing on the beach as well in the river
i also have and old school prijon hurricane that i use for bigger water
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if i was paddling flat water it would be an ocean boat about 14' long and skinny with 2 wells
like this
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I have a Wilderness Systems Pamlico 120.
It is a very stable kayak, but slow and won't travel in a straight line if you stop paddling.
I've had problems with the company on outfitting after purchase.
They don't keep up with accessories, the retailers couldn't get the parts.
And I tried a couple attempts at contacting the company to find out about availability and they would not reply.

If I had to do again I wouldn't buy this brand name again.
Oh yeah I'm not. I am looking at buying another 2 kayaks and they won't be Wilderness Systems kayaks!

 

I just got my new kayak this last weekend.
It is a Necky Looksha sport.
It blows my other kayak out of the water.
Alot faster, tracks 150% better, handles better.
I love it.