How do I choose what kind of Kayak to buy?

You shouldn't buy one until you have had a few chances to rent them and/or taken a lesson or two. That's because their are literally dozens of types of kayaks that suit a wide variety of paddling activities, from short, wide, flat-bottomed open boats for fishing and slow lake floating to extremely thin and long kayaks for racing and surfing to stubby "squirt boats" for playing in white water to sea kayaks with rudders and storage hatches for ocean touring. Prices range from a couple of hundred dollars for a heavy and slow plastic "recreational" kayak to thousands of dollars for a high-end, lightweight fiberglass boat or folding aluminum and nylon kayak that can pack down to carry on an airplane. So it's not an answer we can exactly give you here. Find a reputable kayaking outfitter who specializes in the boats, preferably one who rents them and gives lessons. if you are really serious about buying one, plan to spend at least $800 to $1200 total to get a decent boat plus a really good paddle (which will run around $100 or more) and the PFD, spray skirt and safety gear you will need. You will get more bang for your buck by buying a used kayak, too. But figure out what kind of paddling you really want to do first: white water or flat-water, ocean, lake or river, day trips or longer overnight trips, etc. There is a great site on kayaking that will give you a ton of information on kayaking and on the various styles, models and costs: http://www.paddling.net

Save your money. Take a one week kayak course at an outdoor center. All your questions will be answered. Get a book at your library and read about kayaks and kayaking. Talk to local kayakers.