[http://active.typepad.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/3218671.jpg]Whitewater kayaking is a lifelong pursuit of fun and challenge. If you’re looking for a new outdoor sport, now might be the time to check it out.

If you are completely new to whitewater kayaking, two things you will need to familiarize yourself with are river safety procedures and basic river-reading skills. Other skillslike boat handling, eddy hopping, ferrying and rollingwill come with time.

Whether or not you take formal lessons, you will definitely need some instruction on how to roll. Instruction will help you develop proper technique instead of just survival skills--and ensure your safety. Instruction should start on dry land, move into a pond or pool, and then into the river. Formal instruction will also provide you with all the right equipment and a shuttle. Here are a few important aspects of kayaking to keep in mind: