Kayaking is a fun activity that has been around since the days of the Native Americans. It’s also a great way to get out on the water, especially when you don’t have much money or space for other boats.
Yet kayaking is more than just fun; it can also be quite challenging!
In this article, I’ll explain kayaking and how it works, then give tips on choosing the right kind of kayak for your needs. By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to take off from the shoreline and start paddling across your favorite body of water.
Key Takeaways
- Kayaking is a water sport that involves using a kayak to paddle across the water.
- Kayaks are typically small, narrow boats propelled by a double-bladed paddle.
- Kayaking can be done for recreation, exercise, or transportation.
- Kayaks are often used in whitewater rivers and lakes.
- Some kayaks have closed decks, while others have open decks.
What Is Kayaking?
Paddling a kayak through the water is called kayaking. A small boat with one or more cockpits and room for two to three people.
Kayaks are propelled using a double-bladed paddle. Kayaking can be done on many types of watersports: lakes, rivers, seas, and oceans. In the United States alone, over 14 million recreational kayakers go kayaking every year.
Kayaks Are Designed To Provide A Comfortable And Stable Experience
You can use a kayak in a variety of ways, including for recreation and racing. Many people enjoy paddling on lakes or rivers for fun. Still, you may want to participate in races throughout the year if you’re competitive.
For the sake of everyone’s comfort and safety, kayaks are built to be rock-solid on the water.
When it comes to design, there are several features common across all kayaks: the cockpit is where you sit when paddling, and it’s usually placed near the center of the boat; there’s also a deck where you stand when using your paddle (or other accessories).
These two main areas comprise most of what we consider “a kayak.”
They Are Paddle Boats Propelled By A Double-Bladed Paddle
Kayaks are paddle boats, which means a double-bladed paddle propels them, and you sit on top of the kayak rather than inside it.
Kayaks come in many shapes and sizes, but they usually have a cockpit (or “cockpit”) where you sit on top of the kayak. They’re longer than canoes and narrower than canoes.
Kayaks Are Often Used For Recreation, Touring, And Racing
Kayaks are often used for recreation, touring, and racing. Recreational kayaking is the most popular use of kayaks.
Recreational kayaking involves paddling on calm water to experience nature or have fun.
Touring is a recreational activity where you travel long distances on the water in a kayak. In contrast, racing is a competitive sport where kayakers compete against each other.
They Can Be Either One-Person Or Two-Person Kayaks
The sit-on-top kayak is one of the most common types of kayak. You’ll have more maneuverability in this kayak style, as it does not require you to be seated inside a cockpit or enclosed vessel with a spray skirt.
You must choose the right kind of kayak for your needs. There are many considerations when choosing your first boat; stability and maneuverability are two of them.
Most people choose one-person over two-person boats because they feel they have more control over their movements. At the same time, in the water (one-person boats are also known as solo), there are many benefits associated with having a partner on board, such as having someone who can help you perform an emergency rescue if needed (two persons).
The Type Of Kayak You Choose Will Depend On Your Needs And Preferences
- Recreational kayaks are ideal for beginners or those who prefer to paddle in calm waters. These boats are less expensive and often have a wider hull to provide greater stability.
- Touring kayaks are longer and narrower than recreational kayaks, making them faster and more maneuverable but less stable. They’re also designed with better tracking so they can be paddled upstream or across windy bodies of water without effort.
- Racing kayaks are shorter than touring models, allowing the paddler to move through the water quickly and easily with less effort from his or her arms (which is why racing is often referred to as “power paddling”).
How Did Kayaking Come To Be?
The history of kayaking is a long one. Around 800 years ago, local Alaskans in the Aleutian Islands constructed the earliest kayaks out of animal skins and wood. Still, there are more ancient examples of people using boats on freshwater rivers that date back over 7,000 years.
What Are The Different Types Of Kayaks?
There are four main types of kayaks: single, double, inflatable, and sit-on-top.
Single Kayaks are the most common type of kayak, and they come in both recreational and racing models. They usually have one seat, but some can accommodate two people (tandem). These boats are ideal for solo paddling or with a partner.
Double Kayaks are similar to singles except that they have two seats facing each other at a 90° angle. These boats are ideal for families or friends who want to get out on the water together without having to paddle in the same direction at all times — it’s also great for those who like talking while paddling!
Inflatable Kayaks: these lightweight vessels offer a lot more convenience than other types because they deflate down into small storage bags when not in use, so you can easily take them anywhere as long as there’s space in your car or truck.
Conclusion
That’s all there is to it! We hope this article has helped you understand how kayaking works and why it’s a fun activity.
Let’s say you’re interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the sport. In that case, we recommend checking out our other kayak articles and going for a paddle yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a strong swimmer to go kayaking?
No, you don’t need to be a strong swimmer to go kayaking. It is common practice for novice kayakers to gain experience in a swimming pool first. However, it does help if you have some basic swimming skills since all paddles use your arms and legs for movement.
Do I need to wear a life jacket?
Yes, you do need to wear a life jacket when kayaking. Even if you are not paddling, your kayak can flip and result in serious injury if improperly secured by an occupant. In fact, according to the US Coast Guard, approximately 150 people drown in kayaks each year while wearing a life jacket- even though they are required equipment by law on many glasses of water.
What kind of clothes should I wear kayaking?
Generally, you should wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move easily and stay cool in the heat. For Men: pants with closed-in pockets, a T-shirt or lightweight shirt, and sturdy shoes.
For Women: Pants with closed-in pockets, a tankini or other formfitting swimsuit (no bras), a loose top layer (a sun dress is perfect), and sturdy shoes.
How do I get in and out of the kayak?
There is no one “right” way to enter or exit a kayak. However, most people generally grab the gunwale (the lip on either side of the boat) with their hands and pull themselves up into the boat. Make sure you are sitting straight before doing this. You don’t want to be spilling your drink all over yourself or tip your kayak.
