Good for you, Eden. We live on a quiet lake with a small feeder stream that we can paddle up for at least a mile. I'm an experienced paddler and do all my work in a solo canoe, but my husband had never paddled before he met me, so we got him a kayak. We also have an extra kayak for guests when they visit.

As long as you stay out of the fast stuff and/or heavy waves, you'll do fine in a kayak. Very intuitive kind of craft to paddle and stable, since it sits low in the water. Actually, the hardest part is getting into and getting out of one. That can be a little tricky, at first. If you're ever in the area, bring your kayak.