A lot of emphasis has been placed on getting outside in the past few weeks, especially by one writer here at Be. (For those who don’t know, that would be me.)

That said, most of the ideas thrown around involving hiking, hiking to go camping, hiking to go bird watching or some other way of using one’s legs to do all the work. Well, why not do a little bit of hiking to work out those arms as well.

Kayaking is fast becoming one of the most popular outdoor activities for anyone with access to a lake, sea, large stream or other body of water that can hold a kayak. Here in the Upstate, there are dozens of lakes and hundreds of lake access points that allow anyone with the money and the endurance to take part in a whole new kind of outdoor activity and pastime.

Of course, there is a lot to take into consideration when it comes to buying (or even considering to buy) a kayak or any other kind of water transportation device.

Here is a recent article from The Kayaking Journal on getting started:

Consider Lessons

If you’re new to paddling — or you’ve been away for a while — then you should probably sign up for lessons with a qualified instructor. Look for one who’s certified by the American Canoe Association or the Canadian Recreational Canoe and Kayak Association. Find a local paddling club in your area — these are usually great resources and many have certified instructors within their ranks. Taking a guided trip is another option, as many of these include basic paddling instruction and equipment rental as part of the package.

If you’re a more experienced paddler who’s looking to go out on your own, you still might want to take a refresher course or at least go out on a calm day and practice your roll and bracing skills before you venture out to sea. You may also need a good outfitter in the area you’ll be visiting. And you’ll need to get as much background information as possible on the area you’ll be exploring. The best trips have a float plan that takes into account changing weather and sea conditions, shipping routes through the area, safe landing spots, local agencies to contact in an emergency, etc.

Have The Right Gear

Of course, the right boat and accessories can make the difference between a great kayaking experience and a disappointing one. Choose the right gear and you set yourself up for a fun and memorable trip. Choose the wrong gear and you could be miserable — or worse yet, in trouble on the water. So get as much information as you can about the type of gear you’ll need for the type of trip you’ll be taking. You’ll be glad you did.

Of course, you can read all that and still not know if you even like being in a kayak or are comfortable on the water. That’s where Grady’s Great Outdoors comes in.

Grady’s and Charlie T’s have partnered up for the summer to hold weekly kayak demonstrations on Charlie T’s property on Clemson Boulevard in Anderson. Being right on the lake, the restaurant allows anyone to come out and try one of Grady’s kayaks right off their dock to Hartwell Lake.

Anyone who tries a kayak gets a free dozen wings, and the demos take place each Monday night through the end of June.

If getting on the lake is a little freaky for you, Grady’s will have a 10,000-gallon pool set up in its parking lot on Clemson Boulevard this Friday and Saturday so that anyone interested can paddle right at the store.

There is no sales pressure and the chance for a lot of family fun.

For more information, call 864.226.5283.