I found a break in the ice on the river by my house to drop the kayak in for a quick trial. There was not enough open water for real sea trials, but I was able to determine that the boat floats upright and is comfortable to sit in and has no obvious bad behaviors. I'll be doing more indepth sea trials later.
Every year, kayak enthusiasts from all over come together at Bluff Point State Park in Groton, Connecticut, for a free and open event. It’s a great place to learn about different kayak designs and techniques, and it’s perfect for beginners and even those who are just starting to paddle.
