"Getting Started in Kayaking"

Have you ever been whitewater rafting and seen the kayakers having all the fun?  Have you thought about buying a kayak, but were paralyized by all the different kinds of boats and gear?  Have you looked on Craigslist for a used kayak but didn't know the difference between a "good deal" and a "bad deal"?

Have you ever thought about all the different kind of shoes that are out there? Dress shoes, hiking boots, running shoes, high heels, flip flops, work boots, cross-trainers and more. There are literally hundreds of different styles, and even more materials, sizes and shapes. There are just as many kayaks out there.  Few beginner kayakers really take the time to understand what boat will meet their needs, and usually buy a one-size-fits-all kayak. Have you ever worn a one-size-fits-all shoe? How was it's performance? How was it's comfort? Was it really that versatile after all?  The same can be said from choosing the wrong kayak.

Another common mistake is starting with a budget, and trying to find a kayak that fits their budget, instead of finding the right kayak, and then looking for one within their budget.

This FREE 2hr discussion includes an overview of modern whitewater, recreational and touring hull designs, the appropriate equipment you'll need for each type, dressing to paddle safely and how to avoid potential paddling hazards.

Here are a few things you'll learn!

• The two biggest mistakes that most beginners make when buying a boat; It almost always starts with a price and, ironically, ends up costing more money in the end. Learn how you can "try before you buy" and narrow down your choices before blowing money away.
• Learn why you'd never wear a mountain bike helmet when you're whitewater kayaking, or why kayaks you find at local "big box" stores are not suitable for whitewater kayaking
• Why beginners often outgrow their first kayak within a year and how to save money by avoiding this common buying mistake
• How to dress for year-around paddling in New Mexico and why wet-suits are usually a poor investment for paddlers.
• Learn the difference between a women's PFD (life jacket), recreational, whitewater and touring PFDs, water-ski vests and other women's gear
• More than a dozen different ways you can become an asset - not a liability - to the paddling community (hint - it has little to do with experience!)
• ...and much, much more!

You'll also learn dozens of awesome places to kayak in New Mexico and where you can find 100's of other local paddlers to join you.

At the end of this free, 2hr informative classroom discussion, you should have good answers to the three most common questions: Where do I go kayaking in New Mexico? Who do I go with? And, What kind of gear will I need?