I am trying to decide which model kayak to purchase. I am female, 45, and about 5'2" and 110 lbs. I am in good shape and would like a boat fast enough to keep up with my teenage son. I am looking for a touring kayak, light if possible, sturdy and fast, good for all coastal scenarios. I live close to the beach and have numerous creeks, rivers, bays, etc. to explore. I have been looking at the Tracer and Tampico, but don't know much about their durability. Please advise!

The Hurricane Aquasports kayaks (Tracer, Tampico) are -- at least to my experience so far -- plenty durable. I paddled the Tracer extensively this summer, primarily on the ocean, and found the hull shows very little wear from encounters with rocks and barnacles. I plan to use the Tracer in Class 2 - 3 whitewater races next spring. Trylon (the material used in these boats) will probably not hold up as well as plastic if you wrap your boat broadside around a rock in a strong current, but other than that, a Trylon boat should hold up very well.

You might also check out the boats from QCC -- the Q600X is fast and suited to smaller paddlers.

As a 46 yo woman paddler, I really like my feathercraft kahuna because it only weighs 35 pounds. Having a boat I can move by myself makes all the difference in how often I can get in it. I can put it on top of my subaru all by myself and with my cart I can wheel it down the street pulling it with only one finger.

If you aren't going to be in open water and your weather is decent, a lightweight sit-on-board might be the best value for your money.

For open waters (lakes, sea), try a P & H Vela. A true sea kayak for smaller people.

http://www.nimbuskayaks.com/cygnet.htm