-- Last Updated: Feb-27-13 11:24 PM EST --
a paddling club, check out eastcoastpaddlers@gmail.com. They're from the east side of our great state (Michigan).
They're a great bunch of people that paddle rivers and big water. They also have training in pools in the winter.
If you should find this group isn't what you're looking for, perhaps they can give you names of other paddling clubs.
Welcome aboard a great website, where information and experience is willing shared buy many knowledgeable folks.