Paddle power: Kayaking offers just the right stroke

Finally - it's summer in Chicago, and that means we only have a few more months to hit the water and get fit before winter returns and our fun freezes over.

Kayaking might seem daunting to take up when the most common images are of white-water rafters slipping through rapids or flipping upside down, only to pop up again like a bobber. But kayaking is a lot of fun, and it's actually easy to learn the basics.

First, there are different kinds of kayaks for different kinds of water and paddlers.

River kayaks are the short ones where the kayaker's lower body sits inside the hull of the boat. River kayaks are built for maneuverability and speed.

Sea kayaks are longer, about 12 feet, and are designed to handle waves in open water without tipping. They can seat one or two people whose lower bodies are encased in the hull, and can hold cargo.

Surf skis are narrow and designed for speed and breaking through waves while the paddler sits on top (think Magnum P.I.). Sit-on-tops are sea kayaks where one or two riders simply sit on top, and there's no encased hull.

Sit-on-tops are by far the easiest kayak for beginners and the best if you want to hop off and take a swim and not worry about flipping or bailing.

Anyone can handle a sit-on-top with a few basic instructions, meaning you don't need to spend the winter in a pool learning how to do rescues and flips.

Several groups offer beginner classes and kayak rental. Even if you're sticking with a sit-on-top, it's smart to take a short class (about $40 for two hours) so you understand the basics of paddling (push, don't pull), boating rules and how to keep yourself safe.

The suburbs are full of calm inland lakes where you can practice. Choose a lake that doesn't allow power boats, or plan to stay close to shore - a good idea while you're learning, anyway.

My favorite place to kayak is on Michigan. You'll never find a better view of the city, and the surprisingly clear lake water is a blast to paddle in.

It's like playing in a big bathtub. Waves come at you from all directions, giving you a chance to splash about and play. There's no need to wander far from the shore.

The waves are the same wherever you are, and the boat traffic is much lighter.

I got started taking a class at the Lincoln Park Boat Club (located behind the Lincoln Park Zoo) and later became a member.

An individual membership costs $330, which includes use of the club's kayaks and several social outings. (Tip: You can become a zoo sponsor for $100, which is tax-deductible, and get free parking, as opposed to paying $9 a visit.)

The fitness benefits of kayaking are endless.

If you're into speed and keep up a steady pace, you can burn about 400 calories an hour.

If you're more into playing in the waves, you'll get a great arm and lat workout, and, if you're paddling correctly, a good thigh and ab workout as well. And there's nothing like hitting the water and watching your stress float away once you hit a steady paddling rhythm and cut through the waves.