MACON, MO -- Have you ever wanted to learn how to kayak? Well, the Missouri State Parks is volunteering to teach you for free.

It's apart of their Learn2Paddle Program. On Saturday, they offered free kayaking lessons at Long Branch State Park.

When it comes to kayaking, instructors said you should always wear a lifejacket, go with a buddy, drink lots of water, wear sunscreen, and be aware of the weather and elements nearby.

One newcomer said kayaking is much easier than canoeing because it offers more independence.

"It's you by yourself. You have to make go. You don't depend on somebody else. It all depends on what you do and how much you put out," said Greg Natsch, of Jefferson City, MO. 

"How fast you go depends on your energy. How slow you go depends on you. It doesn't depend on nobody else. You got nobody else to blame."

The Learn2Paddle Program is part of a series of Learn2Programs sponsored by the Missouri State Parks.