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You don't need to go baller status on your first yak.
I started on a piece of crap, and worked my way up. What good is a Caddie if you didn't drive a Monte Carlo first to learn to appreciate it?
If and when you do go get a yak (whatever type you choose), take the time to get the feel of it.
Trust me I know, you'll want to paddle out to La Jolla right away, but go down to Mission Bay first.
Drop it in at the boat launch or a calm beach (Mariners Point) and get used to it with no gear. Spend a whole day on it, just you the boat and a paddle (and a PFD).
Make turns.
Go to a shallow calm spot and tip it on purpose.
Go a little deeper and try to get on it in water where you cant touch the bottom.
This seems stupid and remedial, but in a tight spot this stuff should be second nature, especially if you're not a sprite, quick youth.
Could be life or death, or it could just mean saving some gear in a tight spot.
Then take it to LA Jolla, with no gear, and get your ass kicked in the waves for a bit. Fall off. Learn to steer it in a wave. Learn to get embarrassed by the sea. Then go back to the truck and get your stuff.
Then go out and slay 'em.
Welcome to the club.
Willy
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