Learning To Kayak
By Kent Johnson, Thu Dec 8th

All right, so you've decided that you want to learn how topaddle a kayak, but you're not sure where to start. Should youtake lessons, learn from an experienced friend, or wing it onyour own?

The answer is that all of these options can work, and have forthousands of paddlers. Learning on your own can be tricky, andyou'll probably make every mistake in the book before you getcomfortable, but it certainly is a viable option. Just make sureyou're in reasonable aerobic condition, have a modest amount ofsmarts and common sense, and are willing to be patient.

A good kayaking instructor, on the other hand, can make thewhole process much easier--and safer--and it doesn't have to bea formal instructor from a paddling shop or business.

If you have friends or family who are experienced paddlers,consider asking them for some informal instruction. Just letthem know that you're just starting out, and that you'll need alot of patience and understanding for the first few excursions.If you have access to a pool that allows kayaks in the water,this can provide a great way to get some initial training,especially in getting your roll mechanics down.

If you don't know any experienced paddlers, consider joining alocal kayak club in your area. These clubs and organizations canbe great resources for all kinds of paddling information,

Public review of draft Susquehanna River Anadromous Fish Restoration Cooperative (SRAFRC) Migratory Fish Management and Restoration Plan for the Susquehanna River Basin
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) today announced that the Draft Migratory Fish Management and Restoration Plan for the Susquehanna River Basin is now available for public review and comment.
PA Fish & Boat Commission Plans Open House at Linesville State Fish Hatchery
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will hold their annual Open House at the Linesville State Fish Hatchery on Saturday, April 3, 2010 from 11am ? 3:30 p.m.
Fish & Boat Commission Names John Arway Executive Director
A 30-year veteran of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has been chosen as the agency?s next executive director. During a special public meeting today, the Board of Commissioners selected John Arway to lead the Commission, one of the oldest and most effective conservation agencies in the nation.
Pennsylvania Announces Fisheries Position Regarding N.Y. City Reservoir Releases to Delaware River
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) today announced the release of a fisheries recommendation for management of water released to Delaware River tributaries from New York City water supply reservoirs.
Fish & Boat Urges Action on Susquehanna River Troubles
Calling the Susquehanna River ?increasingly impaired,? the board of commissioners of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) today called on state and federal environmental agencies to expand efforts to determine the sources of pollution which are contributing to the demise of the river?s smallmouth bass fishery.
Fish & Boat Commission Names Acting Executive Director
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) today named Brian Barner as the agency?s acting executive director, effective upon the retirement of Dr. Douglas Austen at the close of business today.
National Saltwater Angler Registry (attention shad, striped bass, and river herring anglers)
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) are reminding anglers that a new federal law requires anglers who target or catch shad, striped bass, and river herring from the Delaware River below Trenton Falls or in the Delaware Estuary to register with the National Saltwater Angler Registry.
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission staff at Butler Fishing Show
Staff from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will attend the Butler Fishing Show on February 13th and 14th 2010 at the Butler Senior High School.
Fish & Boat Winter Meeting Scheduled for January 27-28 in Harrisburg
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will hold its winter quarterly meeting on Jan. 27-28 at its Harrisburg office.
Biologist Report - West Branch Susquehanna River and Susquehanna River Younf-of-Year Smallmouth Bass
Biologists conducted backpack electrofishing surveys July 13-17 and 23-24, 2009 targeting YOY smallmouth bass at ten historic sampling sites in the West Branch and twenty-six historic sampling sites in the Susquehanna River.
Biologist Report - Laurel Hill Creek & Big Sandy Creek Basins, Somerset and Fayette Counties, Search for Wild Trout
Fisheries Management personnel from the Area 8 office surveyed 15 unassessed waters in the Laurel Hill Creek and Big Sandy Creek basins in Somerset and Fayette Counties.
Commissioner Lenny Lichvar Sworn in as District 4 Representative
Lenny Lichvar of Boswell, Somerset County, has been sworn in as the District 4 commissioner for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, representing Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin and Somerset counties.
Updated Fish Consumption Advisories Issued for 2010
State officials today released updated fish consumption advisories that include two new fish species and a water body that had not previously been on the list, but also eases or lifts advisories on fish from seven water bodies.
Eleven Complete Police Training Requirements at State Police Facility
Six waterways conservation officers from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and five Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) rangers have completed Municipal Police Officers Basic Training, Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Frank E. Pawlowski announced today.
Biologist Report - Susquehanna River smallmouth bass
During September 21 ? 24, 2009, biologists conducted nighttime electrofishing surveys targeting adult smallmouth bass at four historic sampling sites located within the middle portion of the Susquehanna River from the Fabri Dam in Sunbury downstream to the York Haven Dam near Middletown to determine trends in abundance, size structure, age structure, and growth attributes, among other attributes.
Biologist Report - Wild Trout Streams, Cumberland and Perry Counties
A subset of unassessed streams were surveyed in the Sherman Creek and Yellow Breeches Creek basins in south central Pennsylvania to determine if wild trout were present.
Fish & Boat Commission to inspect Marcellus Shale drilling sites
Safe Harbor Water Power Corporation, a hydroelectric generating station on the lower Susquehanna River, announces plans to draw down the water level in Lake Clarke above the Safe Harbor Dam.

tours,instruction, and networking. You may even find someone in theclub who's a certified instructor or who's willing to help anewbie get their feet (and all their other parts) wet.

And then, of course, there's the option of finding a certifiedkayaking instructor. Ask to see the person's resume, and anycertifications and formal training he or she's had. And beforeyou whip out your checkbook, ask to see your perspectiveinstructor on the water. Does he or she seem skilled andconfident when handling their kayak? Does their equipment lookto be well maintained? Do they explain what they're doing andwhy they're doing it?

Most of all, how does this person come across? Do they appear tobe patient and approachable? Do they answer your questionsquickly and with confidence? Is this someone who makes you feelcomfortable? Without a good rapport, after all, it's almostimpossible to get the most out of any instruction, paddling orotherwise.

In the end, the best approach to learning how to kayak is up toyou. If you feel comfortable learning on your own, go for it.Just make sure to take your time and always think safety first.If you decide to go with an instructor, take the time to choosewisely, and get the most for your training dollars.

About the author: Kent Johnson--author, webmaster, kayaker Want your nextkayaking adventure to be the best ever? The KayakingJournal--your source for paddling tips and info ==>http://kayakingjournal.com