I took my kayak out for the first time this year.  I went to Crane Creek State Park in Oak Harbor, OH - on the shores of Lake Erie.

 
It's amazing how much practice it takes just to make getting in a smooth operation.  Add a few small waves, and it gets much harder!

Heading out, with my black lab, Butcha, following behind.

Practicing turns

Practicing bracing in the rolling waves

Riding a wave back to shore

My daughter, Amber, playing on the beach

Failed brace

Any yet another failed brace

End of trip - paddle failure.  I tipped and the paddle got caught between my butt and the lake bottom.  It failed right where the blade meets the shaft - time for reinforcement!