newbie

I am not a strong swimer to say the least and approaching middle age. Is kayaking(not white water) an easy to learn & safe sport? Opinions & guidance appreciated Thanks

I'm not a strong swimmer or speller either and am also into middle age. I've started kayaking and am quite comfortable with it but I choose my locations carefully so as not to get into trouble. I stick mainly to gentle rivers and inland lakes. I also kayak sheltered waters of the Great Lakes and the east coast. I am aware that winds almost always pick up substantially in the afternoon so I avoid areas that will be too windy for my feeble arms as the day progresses.

I'd say there are no safer sport you can take up on! And it will help keep your back in shape! A lot of therapists where I live tell patients to look up our kayakclub to avoid further backproblems.

Best advise is to take some classes just to learn the basic techniques when it comes to paddling and self rescue. Makes you more aware of what's right and wrong and give you a chance to try this in safe enviroment, and to meet others!

Good luck!

Flatwater kayaking is extremely safe and fun, I find them hard to tip also. Whitewater kayaking is fun, can be safe, but they are the tippiest boats ive ever paddled

i'm not a swimmer (took it once, but not sure if i can swim anymore, since i've never enjoyed being in deep water), but i took up kayaking 2 years ago. i live in central california on the coast, and have morro bay's estuary, which is heaven! i'm a 58-year-old 4'10-1/2' woman. i have a necky looksha LV sport and also a wilderness systems critter (for the times when i don't have the 'oomph' to lift my heavier boat onto the car). i love paddling! it's not difficult, and i've only tipped once (on the incoming surf) and never even got my hair wet! try it, you'll love it! dev