You’ve seen them out there, gliding atop the water in their long, silent kayaks. They appear on lakes, slow moving rivers, and even the ocean. These “flatwater paddlers” seek a somewhat sedate adventure when compared to the “whitewater paddlers,” who don helmets and wedge themselves into small boats to play in creeks and rivers.

I love the thrill of whitewater, and have gleefully ingested many a gallon of river water during rafting trips on the Deschutes River, and while riverboarding (whitewater swimming) on the Upper Clackamas River.

But when it’s just me in a boat, I solidly prefer a tamer route. My kayak, an 18-foot strip built wooden beauty, was handmade by a dear friend, Judson Clark of Santa Cruz, Calif. He’s actually built two of them, based on the designs of boat builder Nick Schade at Guillemot Kayaks.

Jud’s first boat was a sleek, sexy 16-footer that turns on a dime. His second boat, the one I’m babysitting indefinitely, Jud tweaked for kayak touring. It is two feet longer, a few inches wider, and not at all as lively as the other boat. But it sure is pretty. Whether atop my red Jeep, or shining in the water, the boat turns heads.

My neighborhood paddling spot is Lacamas Lake in Camas, Wash. On a whim, I can load my boat and gear, drive to the boat launch at Lacamas Heritage Park, and be on the glassy water in 15 minutes. Yes, I am spoiled. No, I am not ashamed.

The Portland/Vancouver area is surrounded by water that’s perfect for learning to kayak. Area shops offer lessons and short tours tailored for first-time kayakers. Among them are Ridgefield Kayak Rentals (www.ridgefieldkayak.com), the Portland Kayak Co. (www.portlandkayak.com), and Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe (www.aldercreek.com). Training and tours are also available from a kayak school and adventure travel company called eNRG (www.enrgkayaking.com). It’s easy to rent any gear you may need from the abovementioned companies.

Once you’ve learned the basics, it’s time to plan some paddling trips. Here are three I like:

Ridgefield National Wildlife
Refuge — If birding is your thing, I can’t imagine a better place to spend a day than kayaking the Refuge. According to the Refuge website, hawks, herons and ducks are abundant year round, while other shorebirds, songbirds and cranes use the area during spring and fall migrations. Because your boat is silent, birds won’t immediately startle when you pop into view. While there is no boat launch at the Refuge, you can put in at the Ridgefield Marina, found near the center of town. The town of Ridgefield is about 15 miles north of Vancouver, Wash. For more information, visit the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge online at www.fws.gov/ridgefieldrefuges/ridgefield.

Vancouver Lake — There could be no better endorsement for Vancouver Lake as a paddling destination than the annual Spring Paddle Festival held here each April. The event, sponsored by Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe, makes full use of the lake’s amenities. One feature that sets Vancouver Lake apart from most paddling destinations is that motorized boats are not allowed. This makes the site ideal not just for beginning kayakers, but for beginning windsurfers as well. A gently sloping beach is the closest thing to a boat launch here. That warm sand, plus a shallow area roped off specifically for swimming, may give your family a place to relax while you work on your paddle strokes. For more information, contact Clark County’s Vancouver Lake web page at www.clark.wa.gov/parks-trails/vancouverlake.

Trillium Lake, Ore. — OK shutterbugs, listen up. If you want to create the most beautiful kayaking picture your friends and family will ever see, get your boat on Trillium Lake on a summer afternoon, and stay there until sunset. Myriad postcards have been created at this location, with silky smooth Trillium Lake in the foreground, and the majestic south face of Mt. Hood in the background. Trillium Lake is most easily accessed from US Highway 26 near Government Camp, Ore. Continue East on Hwy 26 past the turnoff for Timberline Lodge, then watch for a sign on the right for Trillium Lake. Follow signs to the boat launch. The best angle for your picture-perfect kayaking moment is easy to find. Set your photographer up anywhere near the launch — a wooden fishing platform is an obvious and popular spot — then maneuver your boat into position. After they get a few shots of you, paddle to shore and trade places. The pictures you take are guaranteed to be wall-worthy! For more information, visit the Mt. Hood National Forest web page at www.fs.fed.us/r6/mthood/.

Mike Bitton is a contributor to The Voice.