Where do I start?

[P_McPoser]

I searched, and couldn't really find anything.

Here's my deal, I'm out of school, have money now, and have free time. I fixed those problems by skiing in the winter, but I'm still looking for suitable summer sports. Kayaking looks fun, All i've done is a little sit on top stuff in socal and tahoe. I enjoyed it, but definately no adrenaline involved (except when we played bumper-kayak at tahoe, heh) Where do I start with this? I live near reno, is that little downtown park a good place to learn some skills?
any advice or info would be appreciated.

[RootSkier]

1) Yes. Get a 2-3 year old playboat for $300, a drytop (this is key, it is worth it to shell out $250-300 on a top quality new one if you are serious), helmet, paddle, etc. Paddle can be used, too.

b) Go to playpark. Get worked.


III) Meet other people to run rivers with.

[AtomicTwinStix]

find someone who can teach you the basics...this is key...they will most likley turn into your 'yakin crew...

I agree with root..I started last Oct-November and scored a used Super EZ and skirt for 350...

pick up little accessories along the way...

youll have your boat outfitted in no time...the way you like it...

Get on the river, play it safe, get worked over, and you will learn what NOT to do the next time....

[peeforward]

yep, reno would be a great place to learn. fun spot. spending a lot of time in a playboat on fun, safe features is a great way to figure out your edges, balance, braces, roll, etc... you'll be spinning, cartwheeling and looping in your first season. watch good paddlers a lot and pay attention to as many of the subtleties as you can. good stroke technique will take you a long ways. the ken whiting and eric jackson videos are pretty good too. they might help you pick up some good pointers right away that will help avoid falling into some of the (bad?) habits of your paddling partners/mentors. the reno rodeo and festival is in a couple of weeks and would be a great place to see some good paddlers and meet boaters. there might be used boats for sale too. if you're already paddling by then you might be able to take a clinic from one of the pros too. they're all great but it seems like jimmy blakeney and eric jackson are particularly good at steepening the learning curve. I've seen a lot of kids improve quite a bit after a few days with those guys.

i've had a bit of a hiatus from boating but used to paddle a ton. i'm going to take my own advice and borrow some of the old ken whiting playboating vids... basics are crucial.

have a great time! it's super addictive. creekin is a lot like skiing tough lines.

[kayaktheworld]

I would start with the most fundamental skill in kayaking: learning to roll. Go to a few pool sessions with your local paddling club or practice in a big eddy on an easy river. Once you get your roll down it is easy to progress to class III rivers where you can work on your other essential river skills.

[Humble]

where around JH offers this kind of access?

total jong but would love to get involved

[Conundrum]

where around JH offers this kind of access?

total jong but would love to get involved

Call Snake River Kayak School. Even if you can't afford any sessions, those guys seem to be laid back and would at least give you some pointers on getting started.