George Sayour Introduction American Canoe Association (ACA) Certified Kayak InstructorMember of the Outdoor Writers Association of America and the Florida Outdoor Writers AssociationB.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Human Factors in Design (Ergonomics) at Rensselaer Polytechnical Institute Experience George Sayour is a former writer for ThoughtCo. He is a seasoned kayaker, canoeist, and stand-up paddleboarder who has been a participant and paddling instructor for the majority of his life. He has taught classes and workshops on paddling basics, technique, river running, and safety. He is an active member of both the American Canoe Association (ACA) and American Whitewater (AW). George published his first book at the end of 2006 and is an active member of both the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) and the Florida Outdoor Writers Association (FOWA). Education George Sayour earned a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Human Factors in Design (Ergonomics) at Rensselaer Polytechnical Institute. This focus on mechanics and ergonomics made George acutely aware of the importance of gear design and proper paddling technique as they relate to paddler comfort, recovery, and effectiveness. He also has an M.A. from Knox Theological Institute. A Message from George Sayour LiveAbout and Dotdash Meredith LiveAbout, a Dotdash Meredith brand, is a reference site focused on entertainment, activities, and hobbies. Learn more about us and our editorial guidelines. Read more from George Sayour Parts of a Standup Paddleboard (SUP) What Equipment Do I Need to Start Kayaking? Kayaking, Canoeing, and Rafting in Yosemite National Park Is It Safe to Canoe With a Toddler? What You Need to Know About SUP Kayak Hybrids Top 10 Safety Items to Canoe or Kayak With Kayaking, Canoeing, and Rafting in Alabama Can You Install a Hatch on Your Kayak? Kayaking and Tubing the Esopus Creek in Phoenicia, New York Surf Kayaking Basics: Tips and Steps The Anatomy of a Canoe Learn All About Kayaking A Guide to Paddleboarding Safely With a Child on the Board Canoeing and Kayaking Rock Springs Run and King’s Landing Tennessee Kayaking, Canoeing, and Rafting Paddling Canoes and Kayaks Is Great Exercise Wet-Exit Your Kayak While It Is Upside Down How Perception Kayaks Changed the Kayaking Industry Types of Kayaks and Kayaking South Carolina Kayaking and Canoeing Paddleboards: Plastic or Fiberglass Olympic Rowing Rules and Scoring What Is SUP (Standup Paddleboarding)? How to Store Your Plastic Kayak