Kayaking as a water sport?
367433
Sure, its fun, its challenging, and there are time trials through rapids on rivers, or I suppose you could possibly race head to head as well.   The whitewater races are whats normally done though.
314773
I have used both in both, and there are tradeoffs. You certainly wouldn't want to use a whitewater playboat in the ocean, but in a sheltered bay, you could try your river kayak. The problem is, without a rudder it's pretty dangerous. You'll have no way to combat an offshore breeze or current, and could easily find yourself far out to sea.\n\nIf you could find a river/touring kayak that will accept a rudder, that would be ideal, although you're still not going to want to get into any sort of surf.\n\nI know you said money was a consideration, but if you could afford a folding kayak, it would solve many of your problems.
390785
That's a great hobby you chose and not a more perfect location too!  I'm from Portland and what I suggest is do a search on the net in the yellow pages in the Portland area and lookup rec stores like REI or things like that and call 3 of them up and ask for suggestions on the best route to take when starting out windsurfing, oh, also hint:  Live and work in Vancouver, WA.  Right across the river, but cheaper to live, just as beautiful and if you work there, you don't have state taxes taken out and you can just drive 2 miles across the river and shop in Oregon for no sales taxes, yeah baby!  Good Luck on your new hobby!
506465
Kayak, not as easy to tip over and more comfortable to row in.
1017207
Just to clarify, I'm the owner of a kayak instructional school on the Great Lakes, and a ACA certified Open Water Sea Kayaking instructor.   \n\nPaddling in a straight line (or tracking) is probably one of the greatest challengers for beginners.   The inability to track can result from a few things:  1) Poor balance in the kayak (rocking from side to side) will cause the boat to veer off course,; 2)  Extending your forward stroke too far towards the stern of the boat, which initiates a turn;  3)  Uneven paddle strokes.     \n\nThe type of boat  you are paddling can also make a difference.  Whitewater boats aren't meant to go straight...they lack a keel, and have a high degree of rocker (they are almost surfboard shaped) in order to enhance manueverabilty...precisely what you want if  you're heading downriver!    Sea kayaks on the other hand are much longer (16-17') and narrower with a pronounced keel.  They are designed to go straight, but their narrow width makes them feel unstable to beginners, which can result in edging the boat and cause it to veer.   \n\nSimilarly, I've often seen new paddlers who use a feathered paddle (one where the blades are offset at different angles) have difficulty.   This is because they get a good catch (the point where the paddle blade enters the water) with  the right blade, but don't change the blade angle when they catch on the left.   In this scenario, the left paddle enters at a slightly diving angle and sheds a lot of the power of the water off.   The result is a stronger right stroke, causing the boat to veer left.\n\nNot knowing you, your boat, or your paddle, I can only offer some advice:  \n\n1)  When you paddle, stay centered (nose over navel).\n\n2)  Use relative short strokes.    If your kayak was a clock, the bow would be 12 o'clock, the stern 6 o'clock, and 3 and 9 o'clock would be an imaginary line heading through your hips.    On the forward stroke, put the paddle blade in the water at 1 o'clock (right) and 11 o'clock (left).   Rotate your torso to drive the paddle along the boat, lifting the blade out of the water when you hit the 3-9 line.   Lift the right forearm to tilt the left blade into position for the left-side stroke and repeat the process.\n\n3)  Pick a target to paddle to, line it up with the bow, and if you start to veer off that target, use a forward sweep stroke to correct the heading of the boat.   A forward sweep is a stroke that starts at 1 o'clock and sweeps out and around to the stern to turn the boat the other direction.   You want to use forward sweeps to correct because these don't kill your forward momentum.\n\nIf this seems like a long explanation, it's because paddling skills are best experienced on the water, rather than described.   This of course only describes how to make a boat travel straight in a flatwater environment, without addressing the impact of wind on kayaks (weather- and lee-cocking), waves, current, etc.   \n\nI recommend you consider picking up a book on paddling at minimum, and consider taking a kayaking fundamentals course from an ACA-certified (American Canoe Association) instructor.   You can find out who is in your area by visiting www.americancanoe.org
44069
Some would say you'd be sick FOR participating in watersports.\n\nAs long as you don't have open sores, I don't think you could catch anything...
1003787
If your anywhere near Yorkshire, I could do with a crew, for sailing trips, both in Yorkshire and the Lake District, Been sailing since I was 7, so should be able to show you what to do?\nDon't be scared to get wet, but an RYA level 1 or 2 course will give you a good starting platform.\nI would suggest going on a course, as there is so much you pick up that is very hard to put into writing, such as wind awareness etc...
1106796
I think the law varies from state to state. Paddling is no longer allowed in many states but there are some states where it is still legal - mainly Texas and the Deep South.
424353
Class 1: no rapids, smooth flowing water \nClass 2: some rough water--the line is easy to see and pursue \nClass 3: whitewater but very safe for larger rafts; kayakers and canoeists should have good rolling or self-rescue skills \nClass 4: whitewater for experienced paddlers only; the route through the rapids may require quick maneuvering \nClass 5: whitewater for advanced paddlers; scouting the rapid may be required, and there may be hidden hazards which require precise maneuvering \nClass 6: impassable or exploratory; for teams of experts, taking all safety precautions
947120
kayakweekly.com has a few ideas\n\ngood luck
833179
http://www.canoewales.com/ This is one of the best sites for kayaking in Wales, complete with river guides. Includes links to alot of clubs in S Wales(in the Neath/Swansea area). Post again if you want any more info.
560883
Wakeboading is the best sport there is around.... I love it ....I cant wait til summer to go on the lake and get back on my board...I love your choice of sports
260630
try a flotation tank experience. it is incredible...but you got to want to and you should not be claustrophobic or it'd be hell re-invented
464502
Well, I went to the Doug Miller Outdoors Sportsman's Expo and saw a fly fishing casting contest.  I would consider that a sport.  Also, if I caught a huge fish, it would take my breath away, plus you might get stronger muscles by reeling the thing in.  An Author you should check out if you like anything outdoors and comedy: Patrick F. Mcmanus.  He's hilarious.  My favorite is his first book: a Fine and Pleasant Misery.  Sometimes I get mixed up and call it a Pine and Pheasant Misery.  Anyway, I think you are an athlete of sorts, especially if you spear-fish in the ocean like me.  That's a lot of work.  So is hiking to good streams and trying to get snags loose.
19021
Heck Yes!!! It would be considered an extreme sport, like skating or snowboarding. But the difference is that you are way more extreme. You only have one wheel!!!
1061058
yes , you can do whatever you want in international waters , we used to go deep sea fishing and be able to drink when i was very young . not sure the exact mileage but it took about an hour to get that far
122819
On a lazy river, either swimming, canoeing, or tubing.