travt:
When you come to Anna Maria Island in June I recommend you stop in at Economy Tackle in Sarasota (
http://www.floridakayak.com/index.php/home). They are a Hobie dealer and have monthly Demo days at a local park (Ackerman park in Sarasota) where you get an oportunity to test drive all of their different Kayaks including the adventure and tandem islands (there was a demo day today actually). They are a very nice bunch of people and really stand behind their products, plus they are very knowledgable and capable at repair also if the need arises. We went to the demo days when we first bought our kayaks and it made a huge difference test driving 3 or 4 different types, we settled on the Oasis, Revolution, and last year bought a Tandem Island (around this time of year actually when they first became available). I have to tell you that I am so happy I bought the TI it is by far the most versatile boat I have ever seen or used (and I use the heck out of it). There is another Hobie dealer in Pinellis Park, but I don't know them. If it doesn't work out to get a demo, I am out every weekend, I would be more than happy to take you for a ride (you can't borrow my boat though). I always launch from City Island (at the south end of longboat key (the next key south of Anna Maria), right next to Mote Marine sancuary). There is a nice little park to launch from right next to Sarasota Sailing squadron, I have launched from City Island and sailed to Anna Maria Island at least a dozen times ( we also like to go up to Egmont Key and scuba dive (from the TI), the rest of the time we are down in Key West (about once a month diving and island hopping) Good Luck
Bob