you will grow into as you begin to ride more or if you are just going to be the occasional rider. I agree, the El Mariachi is a bad ass bike for the $, but you it is still $1800. That could be a lot of $ if you are going to be occasionally riding, but then again, it is not much $ if you plan on getting after it and riding all the time and doing the occasional race.
If you just want a bike to supplement your kayak habit as something else to do occasionally, I would recommend some of the mid range 29ers out there like a Gary Fisher Marlin 29 or Specialized Rockhopper 29, or even a Jamis Dragon 29 (you can find them on sale for around $1k). Nonetheless, they are spot on saying that you should get a 29er. I am a believer.
Josh