Getting started
If you have no experience with whitewater kayaking, the first thing you'll need is the right gear to be safe on the river. At minimum, this means a whitewater appropriate kayak, a fitting spray-skirt, a helmet, and a life vest (PFD). You'll also probably need a paddle, and some closed-toe shoes. You'll need clothing that takes into account the air and the water temperature. Check out some local gear shops like
or buy and sell facebook groups to get geared up! After that, you need to get out on the water! Remember to never paddle alone, no matter how comfortable you feel. You can get familiar with your kayak and how it handles on flatwater like a lake or slow moving river. There are tons of lakes in the area to choose from! The best rivers for getting to know your boat in Southeast Michigan include the Huron (which flows through Argo Cascades), the Rogue, the Clinton, and the Raisin.
Resources
Once you're more familiar with your kayak and how it handles, it's time for some real whitewater! The skills you'll need on whitewater rivers are very different from flatwater, but the transition is an exciting one! There are lots of places to get information, and some great youtube channels to get familiar with terminology and technique:
While these videos are a great place to start, you'll probably be interested in some formal instruction. Check out some of these great local organizations: