look for a used deal
Posted by: nickjc
on Feb-11-13 12:24 PM (EST)
with so little to spend you will be much better off finding someone selling everything because they are getting out of the sport than trying to stretch 500.
Since you said get into, I'm assuming you have zero skills. It would be incredibly helpful to take a basics class. Learn to self rescue, basic strokes and maneuvering BEFORE you buy a boat. You will get a much better idea of what type of boat to look for and can probably get a lot of good advice from your instructor or leads on used gear.