Three Levels of Kayaking - as part of the expert series by GeoBeats. Kayaking is a wonderful sport and it is something that I have enjoyed since the mid-70s, and thousands of people that I have taught and tens of thousands of people that I know are now kayakers and enjoying themselves. Kayaking seems like it is a real big deal to learn how to do but I use the analogy of driving a car. When you are 15-years-old and learning about how to drive a car, there are so many things that you need to learn about it. But, once you actually learn how to step on the brake, and step on the gas, and put it in gear, things like that, it all comes natural to you. And that is the same thing with kayaking. Kayaking in the actual paddle technique of backing up and forward, and turns, that is the mechanics of kayaking and it is really relatively easy to learn and then it is just practice. The second arena that we call it is literally “where am I going to go on my kayak”, and where I am going to go in my kayak is an ever-learning program. You never stop learning where you are going in your boat, the type of wind or weather you might be in, you are watching clouds. You are doing all kinds of the same things as you would do as if you were driving a car across country. You are paying attention for ice and snow, and weather and roads, and things like that. So, in the arena that we paddle in, always watch the water surface. Always pay attention to clouds. Feel the wind. Watch for different boats that might be coming, and all kinds of other road hazards of the water. The third and final arena of kayaking is the beauty. You know, you can drive your car and when the light turns yellow you automatically take your foot off the gas and step on the brake, and it is the same thing in kayaking. I do not think so much now about turning or stopping. It all comes natural. What I really do is I like to look and see what is around me, just like when I drive a car. I am always cautious of the fact that I stay between the lines and I watch the lights and whatever might be happening. But, it is really all about the beauty that I am traveling in and that is why kayaking is so wonderful. You can very peacefully and non-aggressively paddle right underneath a tree with eagles and different types of wildlife. So, there is the mechanics, there is the arena that we paddle in, and then there is the sheer enjoyment of being able to be in a wonderful vessel, floating on the water in areas that people have been doing for thousands of years and now you get to enjoy it as well. Happy paddling!