When my family invested in some smaller kayaks a few years back we learned quickly that if you are exploring small streams and rivers that there are really very few things to have to worry about. Small rapids and sections you are uncomfortable with, get out and walk the river for a little ways and really take the time to assess what you are about to do. We didn't the first couple times playing out near the Emerson Mill road and my brother ended up dumping in a pretty swift current. He got to shore fine but we had a bitch of a time getting his boat uprighted and to shore not really knowing any techniques or anything. Obviously, if you doing these types of paddles, dry bags are highly recommended for any camera equipment or techy toys and make sure they aren't loose in the boat. Clip em in somewhere as what good is a dry bag if your camera is sitting at the bottom of the river.
There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and ‘mental illness'. ---Dave Barry