Any kayakers in here?

Lessons? Get in and paddle, that's about it---you'll figure it out quickly enough!

And stay away from 2-person kayaks! They're awkward and no fun--hard to turn, nowhere near as maneuverable and your paddle strokes will clash--you always seem to be correcting course and trying not o hit the other person's paddle or arms.. Jenn and I had a devil of a time in one. Not like a canoe at all!  Much better to get two separates if you're going to share the fun with someone else.

Glad to help.  Like you I found the prices of taking a class a bit crazy.  And in the end I am glad I did not simply because I found that it took no time to really get into a groove.  My paddling stroke developed nicely after a few times out and in the same amount of time I found how to get in and out of my kayak with ease.  I would have disappointed myself spending that money (oh the model kits one can buy with that money!!!! :) ) for what I would have gotten out of it.

We have a few rafting companies here in town who offer lessons. Most prices were in the $150-$200 range. Ridiculous. So yeah, I'll just wing it and take 'er easy like you said.

 I hadn't decided between a traditional sit-in, or a sit-on-top.  I think I'll hit YouTube like you said and see what's out there. Wilderness Systems' website has some other models that look interesting too. Thanks for the advice so far, NH.

Chris

I own a Wilderness Systems Pungo 120.  I use it for both fishing and general paddling.  Great stable little boat!  I would not worry about taking a lesson too much.  It may take some getting used to when getting in and out.  There are a few ways to do it, and if you watch videos on Youtube you can get an idea what they are, experiment with one you like and go from there.  Stick to real shallow water (or a swimming pool if you have one available to you).  The narrower sea and touring kayaks are narrow and faster paddling, but with that comes less stability.  If you go for one of these types, which typically have very small, difficult to get into cockpits, you are probably going to want to practice rolling back around and getting out if you flip over.  Again, practice in shallow water, and do so with a second person standing in the water next to you (so that if you have a problem rolling back around or getting out they can help flip you back around.)  I pretty much learned all I needed from watching Youtube videos (getting in and out, paddling technique, etc.), and best of all it is free!  But to be fair the Pungo 120 is known to be rock steady and hard to flip over (I have seen a video with guys paddling standing up in them....not that it is recommended), and the cockpit is huge, so I have no worries about extricating myself or bailing out of a flipped over kayak that I am stuck under.  And if you get a sit on top kayak you have yet even LESS to worry about.