Hi there i'm new to all of the kayaking stuff, and i wanted to know a few things
1- What is the best kayak to get 1st of all?
2- Where are the best local places to go, i've been down the river yeo a few times on my m8s dagger RX and would like to know if there are any other places locally?
3- What equipment should i get to start with?
4- How much will it cost me?
Thanks for the help

Well first of all you're going to need some basic equipment.

Buoyancy Aid,
Spray Deck,
Helmet,
Cag (Almost definately)
Wetsuit (Depending on coldness and how likely a swim is)
Wet Boots (Keep those feet protected when walking to get in etc)
Paddle (Unless you like using your hands)

Secondly, a boat.. It's best to demo as many boats as possible before buying your own! Go to a local spot and ask people if you can have a go in their boat, introduce yourself, tell them you're new to kayaking and looking to buy and just want to test some out. Who knows, you might get some offers (That's how I got my boat)

Thirdly, ask yourself if you REALLLLLY want to be kayaking and it's not just an adventure of the month kinda thing. You don't want to be spending loads of money on kayaks and equipment if you're not going to do it often enough to warrant spending all the money.

Fourth and Final, kayaking isn't really a cheap sport, second hand boats you're looking at £100-350 Depending on condition and type of boat. New you're looking at £450-800. Paddles come in around £40 for a cheapy pair and £80-200 for decent pairs. Buoyancy aids £35-115. Spray Decks generally around £30-50.. Sometimes reaching £80. Helmets you can get cheap now about £20-£40 and £100 for decent ones. Cags, about £40-70 for splash cags or about £110+ for Dry cags, which are better.

You can always look for a great deal on all the kit. It doesn't always come this expensive, you can get bundles and offers!

Hope this helps and welcome to the forum.

Ash.

You friends RX is a great boat. If you found it fine already then that might be an option for your future as well. Another option may be and EZG by wavesport. I agree with Ashley. Make sure that this is something you want to do long term before you sink lots of money into the sport. The start up cost is heafty.

check out Uk Rivers Guide Book For info on he uk rivers

also try to find a local club where u can learn and go on trips

It doesn't have to be that expensive...
If you join a local canoe club they'll be able to lend you boats (hopfully different ones to try), they will lend you paddles, a buoyancy aid and spraydeck depending on your level. The membership of canoe clubs is usually nominal (especially compared to other sports clubs, gyms etc) and you'll get to meet loads of other kayakers and wil find out whether you prefer touring, slalom, freestyle, river running etc Becaus there are so many different avenues in kayaking it's good to get an all round general start. Most canoe clubs do trips to rivers etc, so you get to learn from others who've gone before you...

I agree with the advice to join a local kayakclub.

It is an easy and cheap way to try all sorts of gear (if you borrow people's gear ask first. Most paddlers don't mind if you try their equipment but they'd like to know) and you have good access to the secondhand market too.

Besides, you will get good instruction and perhaps have some poolsessions for a decent price.