When you first get in a kayak on the water it can feel a bit strange. Try not to overreact to every movement, go with the flow and get used to the motion. It'll take time to get confident on the water, but if you embrace the movements you'll get the hang of it in no time!

Imagine there is a string pulling you up tight from the top of your head. This will encourage you to sit tall and straight, spine extended, feet in front of you. This helps you keep your balance, engage your core and control the kayak. As well as preventing sore backs later on!

When starting out it is more important to focus on your technique, build your confidence and start to understand how the boat moves. Start slowly and once you feel your ability and confidence has improved, you can try going faster! 

Of course you will need a kayak and paddle to get started. Whether you're hiring, borrowing club gear or buying your own, make sure your kayak is water-ready before you launch it. Water out - bungs in!

A buoyancy aid will keep you afloat if you come out of the boat or get separated from it. Although you're starting on flat water, conditions can change quickly. This is a vital piece of safety gear and you should not be paddling without it. 

You want to be warm in the water as well as out of it. In the summer you may find a wetsuit or neoprene layers are all you need to stay warm. In the colder months you might want to invest in a thicker suit or a drysuit with warm layers underneath. 

The ocean is a beautiful place to explore but it can also be dangerous. So, make sure you know what you're doing before you launch. From understanding different weather conditions, to knowing tide times and currents, there is a lot to factor in. Know your limits and always have a plan B!

There is a lot to think about when beginning sea kayaking. From paddling the boat and steering with the rudder to learning to roll. Try not to rush, practice makes perfect and the more you get out paddling, the more you'll learn. If you're new to ocean paddling, why not try practising on lakes or harbours and estuaries where it's a bit more sheltered first. 

Your paddling strokes are more powerful and filled with purpose when they are in front of you. Once behind you, the paddle is no longer driving power to the boat. So, try and keep the paddle ahead of your hip and really drive it through the water. This will also help your posture and stop your arms and core from getting tired too fast!

Designed to keep you afloat in water if you happen to end up in it. This is the most important piece of paddling gear and you should not be on the water without it. Ranging in different sizes and styles, these should always be worn when sea kayaking.

You want to be warm in the water as well as out of it. As a beginner it is likely you might capsize, so layer up with a wetsuit and a cag (waterproof paddling jacket) in the warmer months. When it gets colder you might want a drysuit with warm underlayers. Remember the ocean is cold most of the year!

When sea kayaking it's likely you'll launch from a beach, rocky shore or pier but you might end up somewhere more rough. Having shoes on will keep your feet protected when you exit and enter the boat. But it will also keep them warm inside the boat as well!

Kayakers often describe the river as a book: there are twists and turns but the language of the river will give you the directions. By taking a beginners course or joining a club, you'll learn to read the water and begin to understand how to plan and lead routes down the river. This skill is vital as each river is graded differently. 

You may be holding the paddle in your hands and move it with your arms, but the power comes from your core. By sitting up straight and engaging your core, this will take the pressure off your arms and shoulders and direct it to your chest. Your strokes will improve and your control will be stronger. 

Most beginners who take on white water kayaking will want to learn this fast. "Rolling" is when you capsize and while in the boat, right yourself again. When you capsize, your spray deck will keep you in the boat and you would have to release it to get out. But if you can roll, you can spin the boat and yourself back upright - and keep paddling!

A buoyancy aid will keep you afloat if you fall out of your boat. As well as that, most BA's have pockets on the front for you to store safety gear and waterproof phones. Having a BA on will keep you afloat until you reach shore, are rescued or can get back in your boat. You should not be paddling without a bouyancy aid!

That river water is chilly - to keep warm you might need extra layers. A wetsuit during the warmer months paired with a cag (waterproof type jacket) is great. But in the colder months you might want to invest in a dry suit and some warm under layers. Remember, you want to be warm in the water as well as out. 

A helmet keeps your head protected when paddling the river. Under the water and down the banks of the river are a lot of hazards. From rocks to fallen branches, you want to keep your head protected if you were to capsize, roll or end up swimming down the river. You should not be paddling without a helmet.