Kayaks are recreational boats that typically hold one person and glide easily through the water. Unlike the canoe, which is broader and open, the kayak typically has a more slender profile and is covered on top. Used primarily for recreation, kayaks of different designs are popular for boating on rivers, lakes, seas and oceans and in whitewater rapids.
Description
A kayak consists of a long, slender, enclosed boat, wider in the middle and tapering toward the bow and stern. The kayaker sits in a well in the center and uses a paddle with a blade on each end to row. Kayaks can contain covered cargo areas both for and aft. Some kayak models are smooth on the bottom, while others have a well-defined keel. Kayaks can also come in tandem form to provide seating for two individuals.
History
Kayaks were originally used by natives of the Arctic Circle, who constructed boats out of driftwood and seal skin, lashed together with animal sinew. They often had seal bladders inserted beneath their covers to add buoyancy. Long and narrow, they were traditionally used for hunting seals. As time went on, word spread to Europe about the boat, and kayaking eventually became popular there. Kayaking racing was incorporated into the Olympics in the 1930s. As the sport grew internationally, it became more extreme. Kayaks were used to handle whitewater stretches in rivers. Today, new designs and materials have made the kayak a versatile form of transportation and recreation on the water.
Construction
Modern kayaks are constructed of polyethylene, fiberglass or composite materials. Polyethylene kayaks are molded, usually in a single unit. These kayaks are the least expensive. They are also the heaviest are more difficult to repair, if damaged. Fiberglass kayaks are considerably lighter and somewhat more expensive. Though they may damage more easily than polyethylene kayaks, they are also much easier to repair. Composite kayaks are the most expensive. Made of Kevlar, carbon fiber or other high-tech materials, they are the lightest kayaks available.
Types
Kayaks fit into four primary categories. Ocean kayaks are long and seaworthy, designed for stability and storage space. Frequently used for touring, they are best suited for the flat waters of the oceans, lakes and wide rivers. Whitewater kayaks are much shorter and wider, providing a higher level of buoyancy and maneuverability in whitewater conditions. Recreational kayaks are typically used for paddling around, fishing and other play activities. Specialty kayaks are those that do not fit into any of the other three categories. These include traditional kayaks made of natural materials, as well as wooden and inflatable kayaks.
Operation
The kayaker first puts on a specialized skirt that fits snugly around the opening to make the interior of the kayak more waterproof. The kayaker then strokes each blade of the paddle along the side of the kayak, alternating from side to side to move forward. The same action is executed in reverse to move the kayak backward. Other techniques turn the kayak, move it sideways or right the boat if it overturns.
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