I love kayaking.  When I first wanted to venture into this hobby I had a difficult time finding information that would help me get a smooth start.  I would like to offer these 7 tips for those of you who are in the same situation as I was.    

1. 1.  I’d like to start by reviewing a few terms that makes it so much easier to talk kayaking together.  Tracking refers to paddling your boat in a straight line.  Edging is referring to using your body to tip the kayak on its side so you can turn sharply and maneuver the boat smoothly.  The term Eskimo roll is used for whitewater kayaking when you flip over and you roll back upright.  Bracing is what you do to keep yourself upright.  The front of the boat is the bow; the back, the stern.  A spray skirt helps you keep water out of the boat and is made of a material that fits snuggly around the cockpit of the kayak.  And finally, rocker is the ability to ride those waves instead of lunging into them. 
2. Identify what water source you will be using.  Will you be paddling mainly on lakes for short durations (one day or less) or on flat water or rivers for multiple days?  For the former you will need a recreational or day-touring boat and for the latter a touring boat.  And for whitewater, look for boats classified as river, play or creek boats. 
3. Each type of kayak brings something a little different.  For example, the recreational boat is very stable but won’t track well.  It is also slower on the water.  Day-touring boats are longer and narrower, therefore faster and easier to track.  But, are also less stable.  Touring kayaks are longer, too, but much narrower.  They edge better than the others and are pretty fast.  The whitewater kayaks are short and fit tightly around the body.  In this way you can use your body to maneuver it.  It also feels unstable to someone just starting out. 
4. Before making such a large investment, see if you can find a place that rents kayaks or provides free paddle demos.  This could help you decide which kayak is best for you.
5. Don’t skimp on quality.  This investment could last a lifetime.  So get a quality boat and take good care of it.     
6. Accessories next.  Be careful you aren’t sold a bunch of unnecessary items.  What you do need are: a paddle, PFD (personal floatation device) and a carrier for your car or truck.  If you are whitewater kayaking add a helmet, gloves, first aid kit, river knives, and a spray skirt to your list. 
7. Look for a kayaking clinic or some other place that gives good kayaking instructions.  This will help to improve your skills quickly, provide a great workout, and be safer.  You will also be able to meet other kayakers in your town.  

Paddling can be fun and safe!  Get started now!

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