There isn't a lot of equipment required for kayaking. A kayak and paddle, life jacket, helmet and spray skirt are the recommend basics.

Kayaks for surfing and doing tricks are called playboats. Kayaks for rocky rivers are called creek boats. Traditional river kayaks offer a quick ride and stability. Most kayaking beginners start with the traditional river kayak.
One kayak does not fit all. The size and shape of the kayak is based on the user's height, weight, and the type of water the kayak will be used in. Kayak dealers usually stock demo or demonstration kayaks available for test boating. This allows kayakers to try before they buy.

Used kayaks cost considerably less than new. Good used kayaks can often be found in the classifieds, online auctions and similar venues.

Finding the right paddle involves getting the length, weight, material and blade shape into consideration, along with the user's height, torso size and paddling style. Tall people, those with long torsos and paddlers who like a slow ride will require longer paddles. Shorter people or those with short torsos and paddlers who like to paddle fast and get the job done will benefit from shorter paddles.

Kayaking paddle materials include wood, fiberglass, carbon fiber and aluminum shafts with plastic blades. The aluminum shaft paddles are a good choice for beginners.
Many kayakers are already into other water sports and own a life jacket (also known as personal flotation device). These can be purchased at many discount stores, sporting goods stores and boating equipment stores in addition to online stores and auctions.

Life jackets, also known as personal flotation devices (PFD) are required by law. Choose a PFD rated for the type of kayaking involved. Type III PFD's tend to be the most comfortable for paddling.
Kayaking helmets should be good quality and fit well. Like other sporting gear, helmets have evolved and now are as much about fashion as function. Users can shop for functional, protective head gear or for functional and fashionable helmets in a wide variety of designs, colors and styles.

Spray skirts are used to seal the cockpit during kayaking and keep water out of the inside of the kayak and keep the kayaker dry. Different types of kayaking require different skirt styles. Whitewater spray skirts are usually made of neoprene. Touring and recreational spray skirts are often made of nylon. Sea kayaking skirt styles may include both neoprene and nylon.

All kayaking spray skirts feature a grab loop. This loop allows the boater to break the seal quickly if necessary. Skirt
designs include cords for boat attachment, pockets, and adjustable suspenders and waistbands.
Since the spray skirt fits around the wearer's waist, waist circumference is the general standard of sizing. Kayak cockpit size may also apply.

Optional kayaking gear includes a dry bag, a dry top and a spray jacket. The small dry bag is good for protecting and storing snacks and other small items. A dry top is a water proof jacket good for cold water paddling. Spray jackets are waterproof and available in long or short sleeve styles.
Kayaking gives boaters an opportunity to explore waterways for fun and for relaxation. The size and light weight of kayaks make maneuvering them easy for individuals. Kayaking doesn't require a lot of equipment and doesn't have to be expensive. Most beginners can quickly master the basics but kayaking is a continual learning experience.

Skiing is a fast-paced, fun and very challenging sport loved the world over. A great way to get out and enjoy a day even during the depths of winter, this sport, however, requires some serious physical activity and a whole lot of patience and practice to perfect.

Getting started skiing will most likely (and quite honestly should) involve some basic instruction. Hitting the slopes before a skier is ready can result in unnecessary injury or just simply a bad time. Learning how to ski isn't difficult in and of itself, but learning how to ski well takes time.

Two of the most important basic skills to perfect are movement and stance. Both come into play whether you're skiing cross-country or downhill and they can make all the difference in the world if they are learned correctly. If proper technique isn't learned and practiced, the consequences can range from just making the sport seem undoable for the new skier to down right dangerous.

Beginners should learn how to move in their skis first and foremost. The best way to get started on this is to actually have the boots and skis strapped on. Just try picking up one ski at a time and turning them from side to side on solid ground. There's no need to go downhill just yet. Get accustomed to the feel and what comes into play to make the skis go where you want them to before you worry about anything else.

Another smart thing to practice before attempting a major ski run is the basic stance involved. How the skis are held and how the body is postured can be a very big deal. If the skis are held in a proper stance, the chance of falling over with movement is lessened. If it's not, well then down you'll quite likely go.

The best way to stand with skis on for Alpine action is to have the feet shoulders-width apart with the toes pointing slightly inward. This creates a V-shape and is commonly called the snow plow. This basic stance is great for developing a firm standing on the snowy ground and enables a whole host of movements, as well. This is a good one to practice over and over again with bending included to develop a feel for what's needed to stay up and balanced while moving.

Basic movements and the stance are key to learning how to ski correctly. They should be practiced and understood before downhill movement takes place. With a little time, skiing can become as second nature as walking or driving a car. It just takes some practice and patience.