I would strongly suggest joining one of the many paddling clubs in Florida.
Florida Paddle clubs.
Next, learn something about the effects of shape, hull, some of which are counter intuitive.
Some hulls are very efficient, and easy to propel, while others can feel like trying to push a bathtub through the water. Surprisingly, the longer the hull, the easier it is to paddle. Generally, anything less than about 14' or 15' will be very inefficient, and exhausting to paddle very far. The entry lines and )to a lesser extent) the exit lines are also important with respect to efficiency. Good lines require a complex curve, which can't be done in either a short hull, or an inflatable hull of any length.
Another consideration, is that an efficient hull will tend to track in a straight line, put will be a bit harder to turn. The less efficient hulls will be easier to turn, but will tend to wiggle back and forth.
Stability is another factor. Beginner paddlers tent to like flat bottomed hulls, because the impart a feeling of stability. They are quite stable when sitting flat in the water. This is called initial stability. However, when leaned a bit, they loose stability quickly, and can flip very suddenly. In short, they have terrible final stability. A hull with a shallow arch cross section, is just the opposite. They have little initial stability. sitting flat in the water, they tend to rock back and forth. This can feel rather scary. However, they fave very good final stability. As they are leaned over, they actually become more stable. I can lean my canoe far enough to get a little bit of water, just trickling over the gunwale. A flat bottomed hull will flip long before it gets to that point.
Another factor to consider, is weight. My 18', kevlar canoe weighs 45 lbs. Similar canoes made from some molded plastics can weigh 100 lbs. Weight isn't as significant a factor as some others when paddling, but I can throw mine on my shoulders and carry it. Once, when a sudden thunder storm came up, I carried it half a mile.
Finally, have you considered a canoe? I have two kayaks that we use for paddling whitewater, but for lakes or fla****er rivers, I would choose a canoe every time. Canoes are also easier to get in and out of, and they can carry a lot more gear.
I've attached photos of how I carry the canoe by myself (which is more difficult with many kayaks), and also how I carry it while pulling my 5th wheel.
Joel
