New to River Kayaking.

Hey, I've never been river kayaking before, and am interested in checking it out this spring. I've been ocean kayaking and thought it was fun. I'm curious as to what a good time to go would be. Perhaps in terms of how many days past a rainfall. I'm really not even sure if that even matters. I guess, if nothing else, some links to websites with tips and suggestions. Most sites that I have found have just offered help in buying kayaks. I'd be renting one. Also, I'd be going down a rather small and easy river, I think. If that's of any important. If anyone can suggest good rivers in the Virginia/North Carolina area, that would be cool too. Thanks for any help.

A great place to start is in a pool. A heated one. Learn how to roll and accustom yourself to the change in boats. They really aren't alike. Its like comparing a sports car to a sports bike.

I thought it would be similar having done a lot of whitewater canoeing and sea kayaking. I was wrong. I got out and learned to roll over in a pool before I got myself hurt.

Just my 2 cents

Drew

Since you mention Virgina and North Carolina, it is worth checking out the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Weisner, NC, west of Ashville, out near Cherokee. They have beginner white water seminars ranging from a week-end to a week in length, include rental boats in the program, teach the roll in heated pools and are an employee owned business with some of the best instructors in N.Am.

Tommy T.

For your area, must check out www.boatertalk.com. I started last year, took a weekend beginners class on the River (North Fork American and Northern CA.). Have fun.