Help the Newbie

[Lesley]

I'm in over my head! I need advice on everything.

Paddles...PFDs.. ..Helmets(when, what and why?)...sprayskirt... floating thingys...what's a throw rope....is everything unisex..does that even matter.....

Google confuses me more than helps me. I know experience is the best teacher, but I'd like to avoid near death experiences at first.  I'm going to the NOC this weekend for fun and will harass the professionals for advice. Still, I'd like to not look like the uber-ditz that I know I'll sound like if I'm not at least comfortable speaking the lingo. Please educate me. I'm begging you.

[sunshine]

Hey girl...i don't know lots about kayaking, but i'll share what little i do know with you.  Get ready...kayaking gear is gonna cost ya.  But once you've got the gear, it lasts a long time.  As far as paddles- Werner is a really good paddle. Make sure it is lightweight enough for long stretches of calm water. Your arms will thank you!  There are female PFD's and Lotus makes good ones. They range in price, but prolly gonna spend 70 bucks on one.  They are the kind that go over your head..not zip up the front.  They come in good colors and have a pretty little Lotus flower embroidered on the back.  I saw a red one I know you'd like!  There is a whole ladies kayaking gear section upstairs at the NOC and those guys will be helpful. They are used to helping out the Newbs, since the Nantahala River is a good starter river for new kayakers.  Hope this helps and have fun this weekend!   

[highlife]

get ready to see the most people around one area...ever!

On natty falls, go just to the left of the rock, first time anyways....have fun.

[highlife]

throw rope is a rope in a bag that is thrown to you, or you throw to someone in trouble.

oh heck i'll just paste this...
A throw rope is basically a rope that has been designed especially for water rescue. As a result, it is long and very strong. Generally a throw rope can also be stuffed into a bag - which makes the rope much easier to throw. There will also be a clip on at least one end of the rope. This is all designed so that it will be much easier to save the person who is in the water.

[Lesley]

Well that's a relief. Matt tried to explain it but all I got was a mental picture of a piece of fishing line with bait. Rope=line, me=bait. I can't tell you how much good line (and bait) I've wasted on underwater hazards and tree branches. It freaked me out a bit, and taught me not to check out important gear immediately before bed. Bizarre dreams..... Left at natty's. good to know.