I have been practicing kayak for the last 20 years. I am a qualified instructor since 1989. Here is a small overview of my passion.

Canoë-Kayak, there is no age to paddle! From 7 to 77, but don't be narrow minded, and if you are not in this range of age, don't worry, Kayak!
For myself, I started at the age of 11. By the age of 16, I was 2nd at the French Championship tournament (flat water speed race in C1). By the age of 18, I was Qualified Instructor. My philosophy is the following: "Have Fun". And as you can read on some car's bumpers in the States: "A bad day kayaking is always better than a good day working".

Here are some links to Kayak sites.

If some links are not valid anymore, I would like you to forgive me and let me know the errors (laurent)

• Olympic Site at Atlanta
• Perception Catalogue
• Dagger Site
• Kayak Polo in the USA
• Kayak Polo Competition Result (Paris)
• Canoe Kayak Magazine
• Pyranha
• Bayou City WhiteWater Club (Houston,TX)
• Eaux Vives
• Canoë-kayak de Montigny en Gohelle

Few points on this sport.

• In kayak you have a double blade paddle, and you sit inside the boat.
• In canoe you have a single blade paddle, and you are on your knees.

Kayak is not a dangerous sport if security precautions are taken each time. These measures are not complicated, but you have to keep them in mind, and respect them. The following rules are basics:

1. Never paddle alone, and try to find somebody who knows what he is doing.
2. Wear a life jacket (PFD) and helmet
3. Inspect the rapid before going through (above class III included)
4. and the more important: If you don't feel a rapid, walk it!

If you keep in mind that the river will always be stronger than you, this will avoid you many troubles. The idea is to have fun with the river, not against, and I speak by experience! Drinking too much water is not always pleasant, and can be dangerous, so follow these basic safety rules and "Have Fun".