A Quick Guide To The Sport Of Kayaking
Friday, March 16, 2012
By Kurt Fuller
More and more people are getting into kayaking. Here is a brief discussion on the different ways one can enjoy the sport of kayaking.
To get the obvious out of the way, kayaking involves one person inside a special boat, using manual power to propel one's self across the water. A paddle is used to do this with the paddle usually having two curved portions on each side to allow for a back and forth action unlike canoeing. This definition, however, fails in many ways since there are extremely different types of kayaking. Here's why.
Hunting boat - that's what kayaks are based on the traditional definition. Historical times show that the kayak was popular in catching fish and other sea animals for food. The indigenous people in the Arctic are believed to have been the first kayakers using wood frames covered by animal skins. The kayak's day as a boat for hunting purposes only is long over. Still, the same type of boat is used these days, only with more modern materials.
Kayaks are long, thin and usually one person boats. They come in different forms and styles, which are primarily adapted to a particular style of kayaking. Even longer and thinner than the standard kayak, the sea kayak is\, as its name implies, specially built as such for sea travel. The rapids are a totally different scene all together, and shorter kayaks are required for this facet of kayaking - so as to allow the kayaks to roll upright and handle much more manageably in the rough waters.
While almost all kayaks are designed to have the person sit down in them, a certain class allows the person to site on a flat indention on the top of the kayak. Lakes and other calm waters are perfect places to use these kayaks.
As these designs seem to suggest, kayaking comes in a lot of forms. There are kayakers who prefer taking their boats around the bay in Alaska, or in similar places. There are others who love shooting the rapids in a kayak, obviously after the thrill and adventure that goes with it.
Kayaking is a huge adrenaline rush or a relaxing way to see sites up close and personal. You just have to make your choice, get out there and go.
To get the obvious out of the way, kayaking involves one person inside a special boat, using manual power to propel one's self across the water. A paddle is used to do this with the paddle usually having two curved portions on each side to allow for a back and forth action unlike canoeing. This definition, however, fails in many ways since there are extremely different types of kayaking. Here's why.
Hunting boat - that's what kayaks are based on the traditional definition. Historical times show that the kayak was popular in catching fish and other sea animals for food. The indigenous people in the Arctic are believed to have been the first kayakers using wood frames covered by animal skins. The kayak's day as a boat for hunting purposes only is long over. Still, the same type of boat is used these days, only with more modern materials.
Kayaks are long, thin and usually one person boats. They come in different forms and styles, which are primarily adapted to a particular style of kayaking. Even longer and thinner than the standard kayak, the sea kayak is\, as its name implies, specially built as such for sea travel. The rapids are a totally different scene all together, and shorter kayaks are required for this facet of kayaking - so as to allow the kayaks to roll upright and handle much more manageably in the rough waters.
While almost all kayaks are designed to have the person sit down in them, a certain class allows the person to site on a flat indention on the top of the kayak. Lakes and other calm waters are perfect places to use these kayaks.
As these designs seem to suggest, kayaking comes in a lot of forms. There are kayakers who prefer taking their boats around the bay in Alaska, or in similar places. There are others who love shooting the rapids in a kayak, obviously after the thrill and adventure that goes with it.
Kayaking is a huge adrenaline rush or a relaxing way to see sites up close and personal. You just have to make your choice, get out there and go.
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Outdoor Firepits are a great addition to your yard - perfect for enjoying the outdoors or creating a great meal.
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