So, yeah the title really says it all…I have a kayak and recently learned how to get out of it while underwater and then, more importantly how to get back into it. I’m excited! 
anyone wanna go kayaking?
I’ve been looking at my sit-on-top for a while now, but I haven’t been paddling this season yet. Either I’m too busy; or when I go to my driveway to look at the bay, the tide is way out. Or I just forget. 
Yea, what state?
I am going to run the American River this weekend Class III+/IV. Although with the high water level there might be some Class U (At least for me).
I have pretty much been putsing around with IK’s this will only be my third time on the river in a hard shell. I really need to work on my Eskimo roll.
You know, I’d like to go kayaking, but right now the 30 mph winds, gusting to 40, horizontal rain, 40 degree temperatures and 20 foot seas are somewhat dampening my enthusiasm. But if we ever get some warm weather, give me a buzz.
Long time kayaker here. I do mostly whitewater but I have a sit-on top for flatwater. I’ve been to Arkansas, the Lower Yough and the Cheat Canyon so far this spring in addition to many runs on an artificial whitewater course near me.
I just got a new Wavesport EZ in February and I love it.
Feh.
I have the battlecruiser of lakeside floats: my 16’ canoe.
I can load this puppy with 500 lbs. of people and gear, and cross lakes the size of Rhode Island. I’ve gone across Lake Sakakawea, Fort Peck Lake, and stormed the beaches for beer raids on many other shores (like Kocanusa). You take your kayak and paddle away. You’ll only be splashed (and bombarded) tired!
But then again, you can right yourself in a kayak. :smack:
Tripler
In all honesty, I really do want a kayak for day trips. My canoe is too big.
I had a kayak lesson in a swimming pool.
I enjoyed the safety exercise of self-righting. I liked the smooth progress through the water.
However I was rather surprised to find myself on a 12 foot (4 metre) diving board, being told that kayaks can cope with a large drop in a river (eg over a lock) and then being pushed off.
:eek:
**River Hippie ** if you are ever in California, look me up (e-mail in profile). I live 10 minutes from one of the best rivers in the country.
I’m glad someone has a kayak thread:
My in-laws have a river kayak which I (n00b) have taken out onto the lake here twice. The first time I kept going in circles counterclockwise; I decided it must be because my right is stronger. Yesterday I went out again and ended up in circles clockwise. That blows THAT theory. So now I’ve decided that I really enjoy kayaking but am humiliated by my lack of ability to go in a straight line. What am I doing wrong? Other people can use this thing and go straight. . . Is this just a matter of practice?
A river (whitewater) kayak is not designed to track in a straight line. That would be very disadvantageous when you’re trying to make a quick turn to avoid a Big Freaking Rock. So yeah, with a lot of practice, you can go straight in one of those, but it’s typically a lot of work. Get a sea kayak and you’ll be amazed at how well it can track.
NOTICE TO ALL KAYAKERS:
First lesson: How to get into kayak while in water. :eek:
Second lesson: How to turn kayak rightside up when you’re upside-down. 
A little advice: If you find yourself in NYC, be careful in the Hudson - The Water Taxis are more ruthless than the land variety
Thanks for the invite, askeptic. I’ll keep that in mind but short of winning the lottery or getting a better job with lots more vacation time, I can maximize my paddling time (and money) better exploring the rivers closer to home. I am in the whitewater paradise known as Indiana (ha-ha) mostly paddle in WI, AR, PA, WV and TN.
Which river are you close too? The American you mentioned earlier ?
Yep. The American is great you get four rivers for the price of one. The North Fork the South Fork and the Middle Fork are some seriously fantastic whitewater Class II to Class U. The lower American, below Folsom Dam is cool for a gentle float with the kiddies. I’m also spitting distance from the Yuba River and less than an hour from the Truckee River.
God it is a veritable whitewater paradise. Unfortunately my paddle buddy got hurt two years ago and I have yet to meet somebody who is as enthusiastic. I have a hard time finding others to paddle with and we know that white water is not something you should tackle alone.
I’m signed up for an “adult intro to kayaking” camp this summer. I’m VERY excited. Is it as much fun as it looks?
More.
No, I’d say the “get out of it while underwater” part is more important than the “how to get back into it” part.