Kayaking, like most sports, is easy to figure out for yourself. With some trial and error, the novice paddler can learn to control the boat reasonably well. I say this because, once upon a time, I was that novice kayaker.

When I began working at Charles River Canoe & Kayak, the head guide took me on the water for an "instructor interview" to see whether my skills were solid enough for me to teach. I have never learned so much in one hour as I did on that day.

Suddenly, the sweep strokes and braces I had read about in books -- and basically shrugged off -- made perfect, logical sense. I just needed to see someone perform the stroke properly, and then receive feedback as I replicated it. By the end of the hour, for example, I was comfortable doing a completely laid-out low-brace turn, something that I had certainly never contemplated on my own.

This experience taught me that my haughty principal of "I can figure it out myself" was not only wrong, it was ridiculous. What better way to learn the best techniques than from people who are experts, people who make a living at what I consider leisure activities? Why bother experimenting through trial-and-error when you are unlikely to arrive at the best solution, and, in any event, someone else already knows the best solution?

Because there is no point in re-inventing the wheel, New England Sea Kayaker strongly recommends that paddlers seek out instruction from expert kayakers, whether they be paid teachers or volunteers. The amount that a student can learn from an expert in a short time is well worth the cost, and will manifest itself in a much greater proficiency and enjoyment of the sport for years to come.

There are many types of instruction available, from group or private lessons at a guide service or kayak club to an afternoon on the water with a friend. You can choose from classes that cover the basic strokes and braces, teach the Eskimo roll, or allow you to practice surfing while a guide stands by for any necessary rescues. If you can't find a class that teaches what you want to learn, ask about a private lesson tailored to your interests.

However, instruction alone cannot improve your kayaking skills. Once you have learned a new technique, you must practice that technique until you can use it quickly and reliably. Make sure you plan time on the water, even if it is only for 45 minutes after work, to repeat the techniques you learned until you feel comfortable using them.

Additionally, you must learn to recognize the situations when a particular technique is most useful, and avoid using it when it is not. For example, a high brace is your only bracing option when side-surfing a wave, but is usually not the best choice if you lose your balance on flat water.

Make sure your teacher explains the purpose of each technique he teaches, and request clarification if something doesn't make sense. You should think of the instructor/student relationship as a team whose goal is to improve your kayaking, so give your teacher feedback as well.

In the end, what you get from instruction depends largely on what you put in. You must ask questions, listen to the instructor's suggestions, and accept critique. Then you must practice. If you are willing to put in this effort, the rewards of expert instruction are almost unlimited.