we actually managed to sell the kayak that i won yesterday for the amount that we were asking. so, we are taking the other one back tonight and we got these beauties to replace them. since i’m such a girl, we got a red one to match hubby’s red life vest and a blue one to match my blue life vest. we’ll be well accessorized kayakers! the biggest reason that we made the switch is that these are 1.5 feet shorter. doesn’t seem like much but when you live in a condo, it’s a huge difference. they went into the elevator with no struggle, i can carry one by myself much easier (about the same weight but more compact and better handholds), and, perhaps most importantly, we’ll be able to keep them in our outside storage instead of having to carry them through the house to store them on the balcony. that’ll really save our carpet, furniture, and walls. my cousin, in her wonderful selflessness, went way out of her way last night to purchase paddles for us and drop them off at my sissy’s so that they can be delivered to us tonight. yay for new (nicer) kayaks again!!!