Kayaking can be an exciting sport or a fun hobby. These long boats are recognizable by their profile of pointed ends, a wider middle section with an indentation on top or a hole leading to a seat inside the boat for the kayaker to sit in and the use of a double-bladed paddle. With a variety of options in a price range from around $250 to more than $3,000, there are kayaks available for every interest, activity level and degree of skill.
History
Kayaking is a sport with a long history, dating to their use by native peoples in the Arctic regions of North America, Asia and Greenland as early as 1000. These peoples used kayaks for hunting marine mammals such as seals. In the early 1900s, Europeans discovered kayaking and began to build kayaks commercially and participate in kayaking for sport and recreation. Whitewater kayaking became an Olympic sport in 1936.
Types
Kayaks come in different types and styles, each suited for different uses. Whitewater kayaks are short and maneuverable and are designed to be used on fast-flowing rivers. Sea kayaks are longer and thinner, better suited for long multiday trips in larger bodies of water. Day trips on a lake or river are another use of sea kayaks that allow users to get close to nature and enjoy family time outdoors.
Manufacture
Kayaks can be solid frame, inflatable or foldable. They come in a range of materials, including fiberglass, plastic, composites and wood. Traditional kayaks were made from wood and some people choose to recreate these styles by building their own boats at home. Modern kayak manufacturers make high-end kayaks out of composite materials that have tweaks such as a slimmer profile or specific curvature of the sides that allow for more speed, carrying capacity or other high performance features. Kayaks can be designed for one person or two and the people can be seated inside or on top of the kayak.
Equipment
Aside from the kayak itself, there is other equipment associated with using a kayak. Kayak paddles are double-oared and used to guide the kayak through the water. A sprayskirt keeps water out of the cockpit, helping keep the kayaker's legs dry. A life vest is a good idea for safety and in cold climates, a wetsuit is often recommended. Some kayakers use helmets, particularly for whitewater kayaking. Rudders, kayak covers and a pump to remove any water that gets into the kayak are optional accessories.
Lessons
Kayaking is generally not something that can be learned through a book or website. The easiest way to learn kayaking is by taking a short course offered by a local retailer, outfitter or kayaking club. Learning through friends is another option. There are many kayak day trips offered on lakes, rivers and coastlines, but these should not be mistaken for a true kayaking course. A guided day trip to see whales or explore an area will not prepare you for a kayak trip on your own.
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