River sports experts - help me get started!

[Anonymous]

I recently tried kayaking for the first time and loved it. Since then, I've been walking along the C&O and see lots of people in the Potomac: kayakers, stand-up paddle boarders, even sculls. Looks like so much fun.

I'm a reasonably fit 50-something. For those of you who are river sport pros, what's the best way to get started? I'm tempted just to go buy a kayak but I'd like somewhere to take lessons/be supervised before heading out on my own. Also, I have no idea what kind of kayak to buy. Should I try sculling (looks like a better upper body workout). If so, how? There seem to be a number of companies with boats - any good ones that people recommend?

Also, I have no desire to try white water *anything*.

I'm in MoCo. Thanks!