Why wait 'til you retire to have fun. Congratulations on blowing your nest egg!!

Glad to see you have yourself a kayak. Just be careful.

One of the best things you can do for yourself is re-entry practice. Getting back in is no problem when you're in knee deep water but having to pull yourself back in when you can't touch is a different story.

There are "balloons/inflatable floats" that attach to your paddle blade while the shaft of the paddle is attached to your kayak. This helps keep the kayak from wanting to tip while you're trying to climb in.

There is also a "stirrup" you can keep attached to your kayak that helps for getting back in. These are especially good to compensate for a lack of upper body strength.

Just things to think about BEFORE you have to think about them.

Just tricks of the trade that can be found on various websites. Tons of stuff out there ... enjoy.

Gil

p.s. Do not anchor a kayak in fast moving water.