Kayaking: Where to learn?

Online resources
Lots of useful info and links:
www.kayakonline.com/minnesota.html
Articles on basic to advanced technique: http://www.kayaking.com
How to paddle: http://paddling.about.com/od/technique/ht/use_paddle_k.htm

Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Rent single or tandem kayaks to paddle around seven small lakes. Wheel attachments are provided for portaging.
Location: Apple Valley, MN
Rental hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Cost: $8/hour, $18/three hours, $30/day
Contact: Call 651-554-6530 or check out http://www.dakotacounty.us/parks

Whitewater on the rivers
For maps and detailed info about hundreds of great kayaking routes on Minnesota rivers, check out the books Padding Northern Minnesota and Padding Southern Minnesota by Lynne Smith Diebel.
If you’re traveling to Wisconsin, consider getting some lessons from Wolf River Guides. Call 715-882-3002 or check out http://www.wolfriverguides.com/classes.html

Sea kayaking on Lake Superior
Based in Bayfield, WI, Living Adventure offers guided trips geared for first-time paddlers. Use a stable tandem kayak to explore the breathtaking scenery and adventure of the Apostle Islands.

Sea Caves all-day trip: Centuries of wave action, freezing and thawing sculpted spectacular caves. Kayakers have the chance to paddle under arches, into vaulted chambers and into the caverns’ deepest recesses. This 2-3 mile trip includes lunch and all gear for $98.

Shipwreck half-day trip: Paddle over and around the twisted steel and oak beams of several wrecks while enjoying the pristine views around Buffalo and Schooner Bays. This 3 mile trip includes a snack and all gear for $59. Contact: Call 866-779-9503 or check out http://www.livingadventure.com