Marcos arrived to kayaking accidentally on his 50th birthday. Starting with zero experience he launched himself into the Des Plaines River (IL) on a sturdy recreational kayak, paddling many mornings and falling in love with the opportunities of escape it gave him. Thinking he was God's gift to kayaking, Marcos soon adventured out into the open waters of Lake Michigan to immediately be humbled by the risks and dangers of not really knowing what he was doing. Ever since that awakening in the Lake, Marcos has joined courses, geared up, joined symposiums, paddled several places around the world, got injured, certified as an ACA Level 3 Coastal Kayak Instructor and Rolling Instructor, taught a ton of lessons. All in the the last three years. If there is one thing that Marcos has not got tired of doing, it is sharing the good and the bad sides of getting involved in sea kayaking. During this presentation, Marcos will share a few stories and tips for paddlers looking to start sea kayaking or jump from the river to the open waters. The presentation will be of interest to any person (of any age) wanting to start sea kayaking in open waters.