Kayaking Information

Kayaking is the use of a kayak for moving across water. It is usually differentiated from canoeing by the sitting position of the paddler and the number of blades on the paddle. The world's sanctioning body, The International Canoe Federation, defines a kayak as a boat where the paddler faces forward with legs in front using a double bladed paddle. Almost all kayaks have big decks; however, there are many sit-on-top kayaks, and these boats are growing in popularity. A canoe is described as a boat where the paddler faces forward and sits or kneels in the boat. They usually take a single bladed paddle. Canoes can be closed deck or open deck. Kayaking has continually increased in the late 1990's and early twenty-first century.

The kayak is defined by its intended use. There are six primary classifications: polo, slolemn, whitewater, surf, touring/expedition, light touring/day tripping/general recreation. Subclassifications stem from these primary categories. A fishing kayak is just a recreation kayak with fishing accessories to make it easier to fish. Creek kayaks are designed to handle narrow areas with rivers and falls. Not all touring kayaks handle the same, and two major configurations include sit-on-tops, which involves sitting on top in an open area. A cockpit style that involves the legs and hips sitting inside the hull with a spray skirt creating a water seal around the waist is the second type. While most are paddled by a single person, others include tandem and triple cockpits.

Their range and adaptability make them good for exploration in wilderness areas, diving and fishing expeditions. Try picking up the paddle and head toward the sunset.