Canoeing

I haven't, but my dad and brother have gone on a few longer trips on the Missouri. I've always wanted to go, but it doesn't seem like we're able to get our schedules lined up when we need to. Hopefully one day, though...

I also want to try kayaking really, really bad. I'm right on the Missouri, so it would be a perfect way to spend nice evenings in the summer. I just don't want to buy one without knowing what I'm doing or even what I'm buying.

Tetta Said:
I haven't, but my dad and brother have gone on a few longer trips on the Missouri. I've always wanted to go, but it doesn't seem like we're able to get our schedules lined up when we need to. Hopefully one day, though...

I also want to try kayaking really, really bad. I'm right on the Missouri, so it would be a perfect way to spend nice evenings in the summer. I just don't want to buy one without knowing what I'm doing or even what I'm buying.

Have you gone to a BOW weekend?  Most states' BOW programs offer kayaking as a course option. 

A lot of outdoor stores have kayak demo days in the spring, too.  Different factory reps will supply the boats for people to try in a local lake.  You might want to check with a local store to see if they have that option. 

A local college or university may have an outdoor recreation program that teaches kayaking, too, so you might be able to try it that way. 

Finally, consider a rental.  You could rent a nice, stable recreational kayak and take it to a local lake to try it out.  The store or outfitter should be able to provide foam blocks or something to mount it to your vehicle.  The store where I work does that, and we show the renter how to secure the kayak or canoe to their vehicle for the return trip, too.