[Paddlewise] Newbies Frustrations

I have read a lot of very interesting lists on PW for quite some time now. 
Dave, you have a wonderful sense of humor. Kayaking has been an interest to 
me for a long time & I finally overcame my fear of water to try it & am 
hopelessly hooked. Most likely like other newbies capitvated with kayaking, 
(unlike Dave, I don't have a garage to practice in nor for that matter a 
kayak yet) I want to do it alot more. Despite my eagerness to explore, safety 
is utmost in mind, due to a disability I will not go alone even if it meant 
staying close to shore (unless I could be assured that one foot stayed on 
shore, one in the yak). I have signed up for numerous classes so that I can 
get time on the water but I am getting rather anxious to get past the roped 
in areas & do some exploring. There is much to learn & experience but I am 
finding it extremely frustrating to find someone to paddle with in the local 
area.  Besides joining clubs that the talk is way over my head, there must be 
an easier to link up with others who wouldn't mind a tagalong. What it costs 
for all these beginner & controlled classes, I could be renting a kayak & 
broadening my horizons. I know there is an untold amount of knowledge to 
acquire & am learning as much as I can but I want more....How did everyone 
else start up that can't go out solo?

I am all for get togethers in various areas and would be delighted to help 
out in  planning a gathering in this area. Heck as anxious as I am to meet 
other paddlers, to cut down on cost, bring sleeping bags, I can put alot of 
people up at my own place!

I will overcome all obstacles and I Will Kayak! If is means running groves in 
Interstate 5 to Bremerton to paddle with Tom so be it ! Anyone in the 
Vancouver vicinity who wouldn't mind company feel free to use that Send Now 
feature on their email.
 
Anxious to paddle but still on shore
Vancouver WA

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