What Are Kayaks?
Kayaking in recent times has become increasingly popular throughout the world, so popular that it is now included in the Olympics.
In essence a kayak is a small boat that is operated manually. Its features include a covered deck as well as a cockpit that is covered by a spraydeck.
A sitting paddler maneuvers the kayak using a double bladed paddle. In the past kayaks were used by Eskimos who lived in the sub-Arctic regions of Asia, North American and Greenland.
The modern kayak is available in multiple designs which cater to specific purposes. In other parts of the world a kayak is referred to as a canoe. (article continues below)...
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Today’s kayak is manufactured using various different types of materials, such as fiberglass, carbon fiber and aluminum to mention just a few. There are various models of kayaks available in the market that can accommodate up to four people and are classified in various ways, for example you have the racing kayak, fishing kayak, surf kayak and sea kayak etc.
In the case of the sea kayak it is only appropriate for one or two people. The sea kayak is more stable and also comes with additional cargo space. The sea kayak is easier to maneuver and can be classified as a sit on top kayak, skin on frame kayak and strip built kayak.
A strip built kayak is similar to that of a stiff fiberglass boat, however it is very light. Generally the sit on top kayak is used for fishing and diving and the seat is just over water level which provides for a higher center of gravity.
A skin on frame kayak looks similar to that of a traditional kayak in terms of construction and materials used. This type of kayak weighs the least and is used by the intuit people who reside in Greenland for hunting purposes.
On the other hand recreational kayaks are used by paddlers who want to take pictures, fish or just enjoy a day on the lake. A recreational kayak has a bigger cockpit and also comes with a wide beam which provides additional stability. With that said the capacity of the recreational kayak is limited.
The whitewater kayak is constructed using rigid material such as polyethylene; although this material is rigid the kayak itself is very maneuverable. This specific kayak is small and comes in at around six to ten feet. Because they flow with the current thy do not need the inherent speed.
On the other hand the surf kayak which is also referred to as the surf ski has a long and narrow shape which enables it to maneuver on breaking waves in the surf zone. The only main difference between this kayak and a whitewater kayak is the planing hull. The surf kayak extends to about twelve feet which enables it to increase its planing speed on a wave.
A racing kayak is as the name suggests designed for speed. Due to the fact that it has a narrow hull the paddler needs great skill in order to keep it stable. The flat water and slalom kayak are offspring’s of the racing kayak. There is a multi kayak which can be inflated or pedaled.
Today’s kayak is built using computer aided design software and naval design software. These new types of kayaks come equipped with two hulls so as to bolster stability. When it comes to maneuverability length and rocker play an important role.
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