Is there a specific form or method of paddling a kayak?

Question

I'm interested in kayaking, and am wondering if I should take some sort of class for it, or if I can just rent a kayak and hit the river.

Answer 1

If you're talking about a whitewater kayak...  The paddling will come naturally to you, that won't be hard..  But staying upright won't come naturally to you..  almost all beginners when they start to tip at all, will let go of their paddle, reach down into the water to try to brace on something, and flip upside down.  (Don't ask me why.  It makes no sense, but EVERYONE does it.)

Try it yourself.  You'll see.

Anyway, it takes practice to use your paddle for bracing.  and even more practice to learn to roll.

I'm an advocate of teaching yourself, but the kayak roll is one of the most counterintuitive things there is, so I recommend you take a lesson in a pool or lake.   With good instruction, and a little practice, you will have your roll in no time, and then you can start running rivers.

If you really want to jump in the river today, I'd rent an inflatable kayak.  they are much more stable, and bomber for running whitewater..  if you flip, you can just haul the boat back right-side-up, and climb in.