mike wrote:
I just purchased a used 14' touring kayak. Being that I have never
kayaked before, am looking into verious technics I need to learn
before I venture out on the calmer water river systems in my area.

I do not suspect I will be out touring on big water any time soon, but
do want to run some of the calmer rivers in my area.

As a beginner on calm rivers and small lakes, concentrate on the following:

Wear your PFD

Wear appropriate clothing (i.e. no cotton anything unless it's over 80
deg F)

Practice a wet exit and de-swamping the boat on shore (but most likely
you won't ever need this).

That'll get you started. You don't need a roll to do small lakes and
calm rivers.

//Walt