Not everyone has the same idea when it comes to kayaking. Some folks think of still, glassy waters, while others conjure up thoughts of roiling rapids. There is no right answer, as the popular watersport can range from tranquil to thrilling depending on what you’re looking for (and the type of waterbody nearby). Our guide to kayaking for beginners takes a look at the water activity’s most popular styles:

Recreational Kayaking

This is an ideal style for beginners, as kayakers will always be within easy reach of a shore or bank. The primary goal is just to have fun and sightsee.

• Where you’ll be: a well-protected lake, river, or reservoir with easy access to the shore
• Intensity level: low (1–3 mph pace)
• Solo, partnered, or group?: Solo or partnered.
• Strokes to know: forward stroke for propulsion (alternate evenly on each side); forward sweep for turning (place the paddle into the water at the opposite side you want to turn, then curve the paddle all the way to the back of the boat)
• If you fall out: First, pop up onto the kayak using a kicking motion for momentum. Slowly roll across the top so that you end up sidesaddle in the cockpit with your feet in the water, then right yourself in the seat and put your legs in one at a time.

Semi-Open-Water Sea Kayaking

This kayaking style takes place anywhere from 2 to 15 miles away from the shore and requires beginners to learn more advanced navigational concepts from the get-go.

• Where you’ll be: a semi-protected waterway or shore with exposure to open ocean
• Intensity level: low to moderate (2–4 mph pace)
• Solo, partnered, or group?: Partnered or group.
• Strokes to know (beyond the basics): bow draw for quick changes of direction (plant one end of the paddle to the side and pull it in toward the front, finishing with a regular forward stroke); backstroke for reversing quickly (alternate evenly from side to side in a reverse motion)
• If you fall out: Swim to the back of the kayak and lift yourself up (the salt water will keep the boat buyant). Then sit up, spread your legs over the boat saddle style, and slowly slide into the cockpit.

Whitewater Kayaking

This is when water sport turns into water adventure. It’s by far the most exciting style—and also the most intense, especially for beginners, thanks to fast moving waters with occasional dips and twists.

• Where you’ll be: rivers, streams, and creeks where whitewater is present
• Intensity level: moderate to high (greater than 4 mph pace)
• Solo, partnered, or group?: Group, always.
• Even more strokes to know: front ferry stroke for getting to shore quickly (keep the kayak’s front pointed toward the side of the river you want to go, then paddle upstream in that direction); stern draw stroke to control veer (place one blade in the water, holding the paddle as vertical as possible, then rotate your body in the direction you want to go).
• If you fall out: Go into the “whitewater flotation position” with your feet up on the surface and your arms stretched to the side. Then aggressively swim toward the shore, making sure not to stand up in fast moving water, no matter how shallow.