I went on a kayak for the first time last Saturday myself. I, too, have had a nearly life-long fear but for me it's with watercraft. I had a scarring experience when I was 6 on a deep-water fishing boat and since then had a healthy hatred for all things that floated on water.

I'm a whole lot better than I used to be, so I was surprised that I actually wanted to go in a kayak. We stayed at a resort that was nestled in a sheltered cove and they had kayaks for the guests. The scenery was breathtaking, and it was awesome to see a seal bobbing not 4 feet away checking us out. I really enjoyed it and would love to do it again.