by: Jakob Jelling
Flatwater kayaking is easier and better to learn than any other type of kayaking.
Flatwater kayaking is the type of kayaking that you should start with if you're new to the activity. Flatwater kayaking can take place on almost any body of water so long as it is is an area that is sheltered form the wind and any major waves. This is also the safest type of kayaking since it generally only takes place during calm conditions when there are no major obstacles to make kayaking difficult.
Tours are very popular for people who want to participate in flatwater kayaking. Generally, these tours either take place on a river or in a sheltered bay. If you're going on a flatwater kayaking tour, you'll likely get to see some beautiful areas, and you may even get to see wildlife in the area that you're kayaking in. If you're thinking about going on a flatwater kayaking tour, the most important thing that you should consider is where you want to go - and make sure that you set aside enough time for the kayak tour!
Since flatwater kayaking is the easiest type of kayaking, this is the type of kayaking that you will learn first. Not only that, but you do not need very much experience kayaking in order to be able to flatwater kayak proficiently. If you're looking for an activity for the whole family that can be learned easily, flatwater kayaking on a lake or calm river is it.
Flatwater kayaking also does not need very specific types of kayaks. Since the water is calm, you don't need to worry about finding a particularly sturdy kayak. (While it is always important to make sure that the kayak you are using is safe, you do not need the same type of kayak that is used for whitewater kayaking).
Since flatwater kayaking is a much safer activity than whitewater kayaking, or kayaking through rough water, it's more common to see two person kayaks instead of just the one person boats. These kayaks are fun for kayak tours, since you'll be able to talk about what you're seeing with another person as you go. Other types of kayaks that are used for kayak touring are designed so that instead of sitting inside of the kayak, you sit on top of it.
No matter what type of kayaking you intend to do in the future, flatwater kayaking is where everything starts. In fact, if you're going to learn how to whitewater kayak, you're going to need to learn flatwater kayaking first. Since this is such an easy activity to learn, you won't have to worry about the rest of your family, either - instead, you'll be able to bring them flatwater kayaking with you!