Anybody know about kayaking?

[JamDisaster]

I’ve only ever done this as a one-off activity on holiday etc but I really love it. We live near a river where I see people kayaking and I’m wondering about taking it up.

Do I need to have lessons to do it safely or can I just get a kayak and go? Possibly a silly question but do I need any sort of licence to go on the river? And what’s the best way of transporting a kayak?

I don't do kayaking but a similar sport.
Licence wise - depends where you live. But the best way to start any watersport safely is to join a local club. You might have to travel a bit, but the skills and local knowledge you will get are phenomenally worthwhile.

You can buy special roof-racks for a car that will carry your kayak. Size of car doesn't really matter. I've seen two on the top of an old-style Mini.

I would advise a few lessons first, if you can, OP, especially if you haven't done much in the way of capsizing. You will, however, need a waterways licence.

People either have trailers or roof racks for transporting kayaks.

Not now but did plenty in younger years :) Agree on the joining a club. Much safer way to build your confidence, learn safely and enjoy travelling to places you wouldn’t otherwise know about

also a great avenue to get kit when you first start as people often flogging stuff as they upgrade.

DH and I started with a couple of canoes when we first married and lived near a canal. We had no experience at all. We had to have a waterways license - it was £2 a year back then. I don't think it's too expensive now.
Of course you don't go through the locks in them - carry them around!!! And take extreme care near weirs.
However if you tip over in a canoe you just fall out. With a kayak you really need some training how to slither out of it safely underwater or preferably get yourself back upright. I went to lessons at a local swimming pool for this, but I admit I never got very good at it so stuck to a canoe.

I belong to a flat water canoe/kayak club on the Thames in London and they offer novice classes over the summer for adults and children, perhaps search for a club near you. There are also water white clubs that offer lessons, the type where you learn to roll.
missed the bit about a license, you need a waterways license or risk a fine, check out Paddle UK (if you are in Britain)

PP does not mean Britain! You don't need a waterways licence in Scotland. Depends where you are OP.
But definitely start with a club.

I'm a qualified kayak instructor. I'd recommend joining a local club (not normally very expensive) as they will almost certainly have equipment you can borrow. They will probably offer basic skills lessons and there will be other paddlers around who can answer questions about roof racks etc..

You need a licence for a lot of waterways in England but the Paddle UK (formerly British Canoeing) membership covers this. That said, your club will have a licence for each boat which obviates the need for an individual membership.

I have a normal roof rack and two cam straps for my boat. When I get older, I'll buy a hullivator to make it easier to get my kayak on the car but for now it's fine.

Always dress for a swim
Stay away from weirs
Practise capsizing with a qualified instructor