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Paddling to work usually means paddling solo. When no one is close by to help and the water is about 50 degrees, it pays to have learned and practiced what to do.
Classes
Start with a class or two and get introduced to the basics by a competent instructor. (Starting with good habits is easier than breaking bad ones.) Whatcom County Parks and Recreation's Intro to Kayaking classes taught me basic paddle strokes and wet exits. They have boats and clothing if you need it and they conduct the class in small, safe Lake Padden with entertaining instructors (like Emily, if you're lucky) and funloving beginners (like me).
Join your local paddling club. I joined WAKE (Whatcom Association of Kayak Enthusiasts). They conduct very worthwhile seminars including a Currents Seminar at Deception Pass where I learned first-hand about eddy lines and ferrying. Meeting and paddling with experienced kayakers is an inexpensive and easy way to soak up valuable local knowledge while having a good time.
Get advanced training from qualified professionals. AT Kayaking in Port Angeles taught me how to roll! (Despite my best efforts to the contrary.) I can't say enough good things about their patient, professional instruction. Port Angeles is near some beautiful coastline and cheap state parks so scheduling a lesson before or after a sightseeing trip worked well for me.
Books
The Complete Book of Sea Kayaking by Derek Hutchinson is full of colorful photos and illustrations. My little brain needs pictures to understand stuff.
Sea Kayaker's Savvy Paddler is full of great tips and tricks, especially useful once you get your own boat.
Remember that documentary, "Scared Straight," where convicted axe murderers told troubled teens how bad it can be in the slammer in order to reform them? Sea Kayaker's Deep Trouble, a wonderfully analyzed and easy to read collection of actual kayaking accidents, will scare you into always wearing that PFD and always dressing for the water.
Video
Nigel Foster has some great DVDs such as Directional Control that teach good technique in detail.
The Brent Reitz Forward Stroke Clinic is another great DVD for learning an efficient, fast, and ergonomically friendly forward stroke technique.
The roll video that worked best for me was The Kayak Roll by Performance Video. I still couldn't roll after watching it but knowing the concepts and visualizing the maneuver saved me a lot of time when I finally took lessons at AT Kayaking.
Practice
Our local club, WAKE, is a great resource for practicing what you are learning. They have a monthly meeting and regular paddles with experience people who are happy to paddle with beginners.
Find a buddy and practice things like wet exits every season (and in cold water) so you know you'll be ready if something goes wrong.
