Originally posted by: Jzero
Important question.
Flatwater?
River? Lake?
Whitewater?
Surf?
Ocean past the surf zone?
Bay?
I am an avid kayak surfer. It is one of the most fun and fast-paced sports I've experienced. I do it every weekend, probably not too far from you, Brunswickite (near Atlantic City).
If you are going to be paddling on flat water or one of NJ's tidal rivers, be prepared for a relaxing and fairly slow-paced day. There's no rocks or rapids to flip you over. You may have some toruble maneuvering at first. Your best bet is to keep the paddle blade close to the boat as you paddle to go straight. If you need to turn, paddle a wide sweeping circular stroke. Only rudder (stick the paddle in the water and hold it there) if you really have to as it will kill all of your forward motion.
And try and paddle with your entire upper body, not just your arms.
YOu will likely get a little wet from splash and drip from your paddles.
If you are paddling on whitewater, expect to get wet. My best advice for you is DO NOT PANIC if you should get flipped. Since you obviously don't know how to eskimo roll (hope they put you in sit-on-top boats if you go whitewater!), just keep your cool, exit the boat and surface and look for it. Try to hang onto your paddle as best you can - it floats and will give you some buoyancy.
Finally - if yuo are doing whitewater or surf WEAR A HELMET. Your biggest risk isn't rocks or other surfers/boaters, it's your own gear! You can and will be hit by your own boat/paddle.
Oh and WEAR A LIFE JACKET!!! Even on the lazy NJ rivers, this is so important (and the law). Even if you are the greatest swimmer in the world, just wear it.
Have fun and let us know how you make out.
