Tubing has always been one of my favorite past times for summer (along with a cold beer, a foot- long brat, and a Rockies win at Coors Field), but a shiny new gem has caught my eye: kayaking.

One of the most popular competitions at the Teva Mountain Games (June 3-6 this year), it is harder than it looks but I think I can do it. Having never even sat inside of a kayak, I thought it would be a smart move to learn a few things, and I couldn’t have picked a better place than Vail to do it!

I’ve made a plan of action that I intend to take over the next few weeks, just in time for the Teva Mountain Games. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Step 1: Learn about kayaks. Did you know that there are over 7 types of kayaks? Some are made for quiet fishing trips, while others are made to navigate whitewater rivers. I think I will start out easy on a recreational kayak- until I find my sea legs. While researching, I found that there is a serious lack of safety education when it comes to recreational kayaks. This will be my next step because I value my ability to enjoy the great outdoors, especially in the Vail Valley area.

Step 2: Attend a kayak safety course. Knowing what safety gear I need could help me avoid sticky situations. There are many procedures that I need to know and be able to execute such as we exiting, t-rescues, and self-rescues that will all be covered through the right training courses. The internet may be useful, but it doesn’t quite match the feeling of getting water up your nose while you are locked into a floating boat.

Step 3: Take a skills class. At first, I wanted to jump in, but after plenty of reading I realized that I can’t tackle white water on my first day, I’ve decided that a class with certified professionals is my best option. They provide the equipment, knowledge, and training I need to be on my way. It may not be tomorrow, but I will start out my kayaking adventure right. In most cases, safety is the main focus of beginner classes, followed by skill and then actual water time.

Step 4: Get on the water! After I become confident in my skills, it’s time to play! I can’t wait to explore the area’s natural playground where river meets adventure. Hopefully, if I love it enough, then someday I, too, will be competing in the Teva Mountain Games.

Step 5: Watch and admire the pros! I appreciate every athletic competition more, whether it’s basketball, softball, or even tennis, after not only learning about how difficult it is, but by trying it out. My admiration grew after realizing that navigating a thin, light weight craft through raging waters doesn’t happen overnight. Hopefully, while attending the Teva Mountain Games I will be able to pull aside some pros and learn  few top-level tips.

Good luck to all of the Kayaking athletes who are competing in the 2010 Teva Mountain Games!

Janyce Brandon is a Vail local & blogger. You can read more of her work here.