right on Bendy, i started with a regular 9 and a half foot pointy end boat from cabela's. it's where we all start or should. it takes years to get to the level those guys in the videos are, but there are 14 year old girls tearing up that same water, kids these days... don't push yourself too fast and you will naturally progress. watch a lot of youtube videos on basic paddling and read the comments to be sure the guy you're watching is doing it right. there are tons of real good guys out there with training videos. if you get to a whitewater boat maufacturers have lots of good vids, start on calm water etc. Happy Paddlin :cheers: