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I like the two big pockets, the amount of open arm room and freedom of motion that the ASEA provides as well as the high back and mesh at the bottom half of the back so that you can use kayak seats that would otherwise present a problem. I'm 5 foot 9 and 165 lb and use a medium. The ability of this PFD to prevent riding up is incredible. The only problem I've encountered is when I tightened the straps too tight one time and ended up with marks on my chest near my shoulders where the shoulder straps dug in during a several hour paddle.

I acquired a pair of Werner Skagit paddles which had been used by a kayak/canoe rental and excursion company. They were in great shape and none the worse for wear. These are fiberglass and are extremely light. The amount of feathering allows for adjustment in increasing increments of 15 degrees and the paddle is very easy to take apart. The paddle blade is medium in size (e.g. not as large as the Aquabound paddle I use for sea kayaking).

If you can find a Mariner II for sale I'd recommend snapping it up. This is an amazing, fast and well designed touring sea kayak. My fiberglass model, made by Northwest Kayaks under contract to Mariner and is in great shape despite several owners over 20 years. It is watertight and fairly light (around 50 lbs) for its length. Handles very well in extremely choppy and big waves. Lots of room both fore and aft compartments. Great seat and doesn't require a skeg nor rudder to stay straight in a strong wind.