Well then podner you should definetly give the LF a go specially if you're passing stuff on the MC. It might surprise you what you get out. I know you've read enough testimonies here that it's a hard thing to ignore. It's a painless overnight procedure with readily available components.
I completely agree with the MC being a safe form of fasting. To me plain water fasting is downright dangerous. I also agree with your approach on "envisioning" the last day. The one day at a time thing is just a worn out cliche that predisposes people to fail or, and here's that word again, whine (#39) their way through fasting ;+D
Prolly the easiest kayak for a beginer will be one of the sit-on-tops. They are wider and generally a more stable platform. They are not as claustrophobic and don't require as much skill as the real sea kayaks where you are locked and strapped inside. I will warn you about 2 seater paddle crafts though. We experienced paddlers call them "divorce boats" ;+D
The sit on tops will also be much less expensive. I tell you ,also definetly consider taking lessons it will make the experience much more fun and safer. Can't be much help when it comes to brands and models of kayaks since I'm not a kayaker at all but a fresh water white water canoeist. When I take noobee friends out on whitewater I always put them on sit on tops cause they are the easiest and require the least skills.