Kayaking may seem intimidating, but it’s actually pretty easy to do. Start by choosing a generally calm body of water. (Avoid places where there are harsh currents or tons of motor boats. And don’t go out if it’s flooded recently). Then, look for a place where you can get inside your kayak. A bit of land that slopes into the water is an excellent pick—as long as it isn’t lined with rocks or other objects that might damage your kayak. Once you’re inside your kayak, start paddling with the current. You’ll want to dip your paddle all the way into the water on one side of the boat. Then, pull it back—and repeat the same on the other side of the boat. If you need to slow down or stop, you can repeat this motion in reverse, placing your paddle slightly behind you and pressing it forward. To turn the kayak, paddle only on one side of your boat. Or you can dip your kayak into the water at the front of your boat, and then pull it back, carving a curve through the water. This is called a sweep stroke and can help you turn faster when performed correctly.