As the Susquehanna River became increasingly choppy, Brian Morgan positioned himself inside a new orange kayak to see how it handled.

The self-described "newbie" knew better than to test-paddle the craft in the hazardous water around noon.

Instead, the Lancaster County resident checked out the canoe on the lawn.

On Sunday, Morgan was at Shank's Mare Outfitters in Lower Windsor Township for a demo that focused on the stability and balance of kayaks.

His wife, Anna, agreed that the waters were way too dangerous to navigate.

"I saw the water and said, 'There is no way I'm going out on this water today,'" she said.

Experts at Shank's Mare, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, said river conditions weren't suitable for

Coleen Sweigart, center, of Millersville tries out kayaks with her children Mitch Sweigart, 11, and Justina Sweigart, 19, at Shank's Mare in Lower Windsor Township on Sunday. (Daily Record/Sunday News - Kate Penn)

Even the most experienced kayaker can become distressed in rapid water and an unfamiliar boat, said Steve Winand, co-owner of Shank's Mare.

Lance Parson of Chester County, who has been kayaking for 15 years, accidentally demonstrated that scenario when the kayak he was testing tipped over.

Winand, in a nearby kayak, raced to help Parson so he could paddle back to shore.

"A wave just caught me and I went over," Parson said. "It wakes you up when you go over."

Fran Arnott of Lancaster County, who plans to take a safety course in the sport, watched the water rescue through her binoculars.

She said she knows weather conditions can cause unexpected problems for some people recreating on the water.

"I went kayaking this morning and the water changed," she said. "The waves are like two feet down there. I thought I would go over a couple of times today."

KAYAK SAFETY

Tips from Devin Winand of Shank's Mare Outfitters in Lower Windsor Township:

--- Keep an eye on the weather. Within about 15 minutes it can change drastically.

--- Know your personal abilities. How comfortable are you in the boat? Do you know rescue techniques?

--- Every kayak is unique. Get familiar with a new craft in a safe area.

--- Take a kayak safety course. If you tip over, knowing how to recover is crucial.

--- For details, go to www.shanksmare.com