There are lots of options:

1. Buy a boat, take it out and paddle, teach yourself from harsh experience. Books and some videos are available. See the list at the end of the FAQ. Seidman's _The Essential Sea Kayaker_ and Foster's _Sea Kayaking_ are particularly good for beginners. This can be a dangerous way to go.

2. Go on a guided trip. Most outfitters provide guides, equipment, and instruction.

3. Take a class. Many shops that sell sea kayaks have an instructional program. The American Canoe Association and other national paddlesport organizations also offer sea kayak instruction.

4. Join a local club and paddle with some experienced paddlers. Many clubs offer some level of kayak instruction.

Turing test for sea kayaking, or, are you ready to do a coastal kayaking trip on your own?

These questions are not intended to tell anyone that they can or can't go out kayaking on their own. They are simply a quick survey of the knowledge/skills that are helpful in coastal kayaking. You have to decide for yourself what you are capable of.

1. Equipment

   • Do you own your own boat(s)?
   • What kind?
   • What size/kind of hatches does it have?
   • Does it have watertight bulkheads?
   • What sort of deck rigging has your boat got?
   • Does it have a rudder?
   • Can you fix your boat if it breaks?
   • Do you have a spare paddle?
   • Do you have a paddle float?
   • A pump?

2. Loading and Camping

   • Have you ever paddled a loaded boat?
   • Have your ever loaded a boat?
   • What sort of camping equipment do you own?
   • How comfortable are you camping in bad weather conditions?

3. Cold Water

   • Have you ever dealt with cold water conditions?
   • What kind of paddling clothes do you have to deal with cold water?
   • What are the effects of cold shock?
   • Do you know how to prevent it?
   • What are the symptoms of hypothermia?
   • What about hyperthermia?

4. Travelling in Seas

   • Do you know how far you can travel in a day with a loaded boat?
   • How about in a headwind?
   • How about with following seas?
   • Do you know your limits with respect to wind/weather/sea conditions you are comfortable paddling in, or have you only paddled calm seas?
   • Would you know when it is not safe to paddle?
   • Have you ever paddled in surf?
   • Do you know how wind/weather/topography/tides affect sea conditions?

5. Signalling

   • Do you own a weather radio?
   • How about a marine VHF 2-way radio?
   • Do you know different ways to signal for help if you need it?
   • What types of signalling equipment do you own?

6. Rescues

   • Do you know how to reenter your boat with or without assistance
   • should you tip over and have to exit?
   • What sea conditions are you capable of doing this in?
   • Have you ever tipped over and exited your boat?
   • Do you have a roll?
   • How are your braces?

7. Navigation

   • Can you navigate in a kayak if you can't see your destination?
   • Do you own a compass?
   • Hand held or deck mount?
   • Do you know how to use a nautical chart and protractor?
   • Do you know how to correct for magnetic declination?
   • How do you decide when not to go?

8. 8.Tides

   • What do you know about tides and tidal currents?
   • How do they affect sea conditions?

9. Injury

   • Do you know what to do if someone gets hurt?
   • Are you prepared to tow?

10. Experience

    • Have you ever taken a coastal kayaking class?
    • Have you ever gone on an extended kayaking trip?