Kayaking Today

Is Kayaking Expensive?
 by: Jakob Jelling

Before you start kayaking, this is one thing that you will probably be concerned with. After all, not too many people can afford spending too much money on their hobbies, and kayaking does seem like the type of activity that would cost a lot of money to start. However, just like most other things that you would think about doing, kayaking can either be Read the rest of this entry »

It’s more than likely that you have seen a kayak once or twice before in your life. In today’s world they’re pretty hard to miss, as most of them are made out of a material with a very bright or eye-catching color. No matter if you saw it strapped to the top of a car, or being used in at the ocean or a river, you may have wondered where kayaks came from. Believe it or not, kayaks have existed for about 4,000 years. They aren’t recent inventions!

The Original Kayaks

It is said that the native Inuit and Aleut peoples were the first to make use of a kayak. These tribes often had to hunt to find their food, so many would hunt along the shorelines located in Alaska, Greenland, and even northern Canada. However, during this time, kayaks definitely weren’t as luxurious or eye-catching. In fact, kayaks were personalized. While you wouldn’t find the kayaker’s name on his kayak, the kayaks were made around the person’s height and weight, and were often fitted to be “worn” by that person. Many times the kayaker was tied to the boat and certain clothing was worn to stay warm in cold water.

They were made to be sturdy enough in order to carry a person and a few pounds of meat. Generally kayaks were made out of driftwood that was covered and protected by animal skins. A hole was usually cut into the kayak so that the person inside was able to fish. But, while the kayaks made 4,000 years ago weren’t nearly as safe and protected as the ones used today, they were safe and well-made enough to do their job.

Kayaks Today

Today kayaks are made more for exercising, adventuring, entertainment, and for sporting. It’s rare that you will see someone using a kayak in order to go fishing to find a meal to eat later. In 1894, John MacGregor created the Rob Roy, which was the first recreational kayak. He was then able to create a kayaking club full of enthusiasts and soon started kayaking competitions. Though kayaks today do still have a practical use, in the past they were extremely important. You won’t find as many wooden kayaks today either.

Kayaks made in today’s world are usually made of fiberglass or some other material that is sturdy. Some kayaks do use wood, but the wood is often covered by other materials to ensure that the boat is safe and secure. Some kayaks are made for just one person while others are made for up to four. You will often see the longer type of kayaks used when it comes to sporting events and adventure. For example, in the Olympics, four person kayaks are used to seat a team.

The kayaks you’ll find today are often made to suit people who are looking to go out on an adventure and kayak through tough waters. In comparing the original ancient kayak with the ones found today, it’s amazing how similar they are, but how they are used for such different reasons.

Author: Larry S. Kang

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Kayaking is a recreational sport in which participants use specialized boats called kayaks in a wide variety of waterways. Kayaks are boats which take a number of forms, depending on the function for which they are designed. People can take kayaking trips on the ocean, up rivers, in surf zones, and along white water courses. Participants can often have minimal skills and still greatly enjoy themselves. Some people take kayaks with them when they travel to go kayaking, and others rent kayaks or participate in guided kayaking trips at a destination.

A kayak is a boat with a covered deck and a small hole for someone to sit in. The legs of the sitter are concealed, warm and dry, inside the boat. They were originally designed for use in the Arctic, where cold water spilling into a boat could potentially be dangerous for someone using it. Many traditional kayaks were custom made for the individual user. Kayaks are propelled using double bladed oars, and they can be quite rapid and manoeuvrable.

For kayaking camping trips, waterproof bags which can be stuffed into the kayak are extremely useful. Longer kayaks often have a separate hatch for stowing gear. Kayak camping is a great way to explore the outdoors from the water, pulling ashore to hike, camp, or eat.

Kayaking in Kerala

Kayaking is the best way to explore the backwaters of Kerala. The environmental impact is minimal and the expedition provides an opportunity to meet up with the villagers, understanding their culture and enjoying their hospitality and a lot of other things.

A kayaking trip on the beautiful Periyar and the world famous backwaters of Kerala is a combination of nature while on the Periyar and the village life while on the backwaters. Tourists can indulge in kayaking in the backwaters of Kerala like the Alappuzha, Kottayam, Kozhikode and Thiruvallam and around the mountain where the rivers flow. The scenic landscape is a treat for those kayaking in Kerala.

Backwaters, a large garland of lagoons, lakes, rivers & canals are exclusive to Kerala. The most elaborate and spectacular stretch are near the ancient port city of Alleppey.

As you kayak down these narrow rivulets, lakes and lagoons, what you see will give you a ringside view of life along the backwaters – unhurried and unspoiled, friendly and welcoming.

Accommodation is arranged at well-appointed Heritage Villas, country homes and small family-owned resorts. Ethnic food, unseen stretches of backwaters and genuine small world hospitality makes this experience stand out.

The wide range of backwaters and beaches in Kerala offers stunning experience for the kayaking fans. A life time experience filled with enthusiasm, pleasure, adventure and knowledge of Kerala life style and culture.

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I am going kayaking for the first time. Do I need to know how to swim?

No, not really, although even if you’re going somewhere calm, you should prepare for possibility of going in the water. Always wear a personal floatation device, which will help keep your head and upper body out of the water (but unlike offshore lifejackets, PFDs don’t automatically turn you face-up). Even good swimmers Read the rest of this entry »

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When you think about Nepal, whitewater Rafting and Kayaking are not the first things that spring into mind, well at least it wasn’t for me. More likely images of Kathmandu, rice paddies, Everest and the mysterious Himalaya pop into your head. So you can imagine my surprise when I got to Nepal and ended up rafting and kayaking in excess of 10 times!

When you arrive in Thamel or Pokhara (the main touristy Read the rest of this entry »

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Safety Tips for Ocean Touring Kayaks

Touring kayaks are made to carry one or two people comfortable. Since they are so much bigger you still have room for everything that you need to carry with you.

If you are ready to move your water adventures out to the open sea, then the touring kayak may be for you. Deep water is what this vessel was designed for. They are great for bays and lake touring as Read the rest of this entry »

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How To Balance Your Whitewater Kayak

If you’re someone who is considering becoming a whitewater kayaker then knowing how to balance a kayak is a very key to know. Balancing your kayak is a learned skill, if you want to get better at it here are some simple principles that you definitely have to understand. The two terms you need to know is Balancing and Leaning. You must understand the difference Read the rest of this entry »

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