Paranoia/Honesty in Advertising

[ReelRhody]

After buying my Pungos a few weeks ago I've been researching this board along with others and had some concerns about safety, not being a good swimmer and approaching the weight limit of my Pungo I was stongly considering the "pontoon type" stabilizers manufactured by Spring Creek.
Spoke to Chuck yesterday ( one of the owners) and he said," not that I don't want to sell you something but I have a Pungo and I don't think you need a stabilizer for it, once your sitting in the bottom , it's very stable". He said the only time your likely to flip it is getting in and out.
I thanked him for his candor and told him I'd wait untill I've used the Pungo to make up my mind.
Am I paranoid or what? And how's that for an atypical salesman?

[SamRiley]

I love it when a salesman tries to talk me out of making a purchase... doesn't mean that your concerns aren't warranted though. A kayak should be comfortable, practical and safe. Figuring out if your Pungo is for you will require some practice. I'd hold off on any stabilizer purchases until you have had a chance to paddle around in different conditions and do some self rescues. For now, stick to sheltered, calm waters, add as many float bags as you can and of course, wear your PFD. Once the water warms up, try doing some beach launches and paddling in small waves. Try hitting waves from various angles and get a feel for how the boat handles. This will make you more familiar with the yak's and your own capabilities.... will hopefully improve the latter too.

[RIBill]

Sam is right on. But I also agree with Chuck... tremendous intial and secondary stability in a pungo. good luck and enjoy. safety first.