Learn to Paddle
In General there are probably 2 ways of getting into Canoeing / Kayaking (Canoeing - like Native Americans with one bladed paddles traditionally in an open canoe; Kayaking - like Eskimo in closed cockpit boats that we sit in and use 2 bladed paddles)
The 2 main routes into the sport are as follows, although I'd suggest joining a local club unless you're sure you want to spend the time on an extended course straight away - can always go on one that is more specialised once you know more what you want to concentrate on.
- Book yourself on a course with a recognised Outdoor Centre (recognised by the SCA or BCU is what you should look for) examples can be found in the back of magazines such as Canoeist, Paddles, etc start off with an introductory course and then when you're there the instructors will be able to help you decide which type of paddling you wan't to focus on, and then think about joining a club.
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Join a club, there are quite alot of clubs around, most of which have pool sessions at least part of the year where you can practice falling in, and all the cool stuff that gets you wet in a warmer and more conducive environment. The ethos and structure of each club varies, so if your in a City or arn't constrained to much geographically travel around a few to see which one (or ones) you feel most at home in.
The majority of clubs will be happy for you to come along on a trip or to pool sessions a couple of times before asking you to join. Again the majority of clubs will give instruction on the basics and will probably have groups that paddle particular styles of craft eg White Water, River/Loch touring, Surf, Sea touring, Rodeo, ..... If you are looking to tour at sea there is little point in joining a club where everyone is out on a river every weekend and vice versa. A list of Clubs can be found on the SCA website, give the contacts of clubs that look interesting a call and they'll give you the low down on their respective club.
Another generalisation is that most clubs will have boats, paddles, etc.. that can be borrowed by members and will organise trips and some level of coaching and assessment throughout the year, and again it's up to you how far you want to go along this road.
In Scotland the governing body is the Scottish Canoe Association (SCA), which is associated with the British Canoe Union (BCU) which is the UK governing body. There are recognised assessments that can be taken to demonstrate your abilitity in your chosen type of craft and discipline, known as star tests that you can work towards, for info on these please follow the link to the BCU pages where there are Acrobat versions of the star test guides . There is normaly no compulsion to take the tests, unless you want to become an instructor etc, but they do form a good basis for learning the baseline skills required to be safe on the water, and measure you're growning proficiency.