hi Prairieboy
actualy almost every kayak shop around here have demo nights an some demo all day long.
you go to there store and say you want to try one kayak or two..then they will bring them to a place ,usely a beach then you got to try them free.
that is the best way , try them and see whitch one you like the most.
little anecdote.my wife baught her first kayak last year,,wen she went to that shop in hull to see some kayak they send her to try 4 kayak at lake leamay in hull free.the first one that she was realy hook at it..thats the obe she was looking to buy she get on to a little turn on lake,,bend a bit to see in the lake spalsh she flip..

..that was the end off that kayak....flew in air..

..but all this to explane that was the kayak she like the look ,,but was no good for her.
so the best ,try them before you get one..plus its free why not.
and all those place rent some...not expensive to.
sometime renting is even better.at least you can no how you feel after your in the kayak for 3 or 4 hours..you have to be comfortable...if your not you wont use it.
hope to see a lot off you on some paddling outhing.
joco.