It’s almost 2025, and while the idea of reinventing yourself overnight might sound tempting (thanks to those endless “new year, new you” articles), let’s be real — you’re not going to wake up tomorrow as a brand-new person. But picking up a fresh activity? That’s totally within reach.

To kick off the new year with something exciting (and maybe a bit adventurous), Terrain consulted experts in five outdoor activities to gather their top tips for beginners. Here, Yolandea Wood, a kayaker and instructor with the Mississippi River Water Trail — who once paddled the Mississippi River from source to sea — shares her advice on how to make 2025 the year you embrace the art of paddling. Ready to navigate the waters? Read on.

What’s your top tip for beginning paddlers?
Wear a life jacket and make sure it’s snug. A life jacket that doesn’t fit properly is like a motorcycle helmet with no chin strap. It has no value.

What else should they know?
Plan for both the weather and the water temperature. Even if it’s one of those weird, warm January days, don’t wear a bikini because the water will still be about 30 degrees. Cover up your body, but wear clothing that will dry fast. Also, don’t wear flip-flops. If you get stuck in the mud, you don’t want your shoes stuck in the mud, too. Wear old sneakers or neoprene boots.

Anything else in terms of preparation?
Put your valuables in a dry bag and secure it within the boat. The river eats up sunglasses and cell phones, so if you don’t want to lose them, secure them in a waterproof container that’s going to float. Speaking of packing, always carry a water bottle and a snack. Either you’ll need it or somebody else will.

As far as paddling technique, how do people learn the basics?
I recommend taking a skills class. A lot of organizations offer them. St. Louis Canoe & Kayak Club has one. Alpine Shop has one. It’s a good investment, and they’re a lot of fun.

Yolandea Wood. (Courtesy of Yolandea Wood)

Which local rivers and lakes are best for beginners?
The challenge with rivers is you have to arrange for travel back to your car afterward. So I suggest starting with a lake, like Creve Coeur Lake, Simpson Lake, Horseshoe Lake, or the Boathouse at Forest Park. Riverlands is another good place to paddle. It sounds scary because it’s the Mississippi River, but there’s a really big inland, so you’re never quote-unquote “on the Mississippi.”

Anything else people should know about paddling?
It’s never too late. I picked up paddling when I was in my 40s. Now I’m in my 60s, and there are paddlers that are much older than me. At Riverlands, they have a roller system so that people in wheelchairs can get in and out of kayaks. It’s a lot of fun to get out there and challenge yourself. Just know your limits and don’t try to paddle the length of the Mississippi River on your first trip.

Take baby steps and progress gradually.
Yes. Also, in terms of paddling technique, focus on using your core. If you do it right, it shouldn’t be your arms and your shoulders that are sore, but your abs.

Should beginners opt for a kayak or a canoe?
There are benefits to both. A good thing about a canoe is you can put a lot in it. It’s easy to load. You and a friend and your whole family can get into a canoe. With a kayak, it’s going to be you and maybe one other person. However, a canoe will sit higher in the water than a kayak, and because of that, if it’s a windy day, you’re going to have to work harder. A kayak will sit lower in the water, which some people prefer.

Author: Shawn Donnelly is the managing editor of Terrain.

Top image: By Oleksandr H.