| A kayak is a small
human-powered boat. It typically has a covered deck, and a cockpit
covered by a spraydeck also known as a skirt. The kayak was used by the
native Ainu, Aleut and Eskimo hunters in sub-Arctic regions of north
eastern Asia, North America and Greenland. It historically was, and
often still is, propelled by a double-bladed paddle in the hands of a
sitting paddler.
Modern kayaks come in a wide variety of designs and materials for specialized purposes. Kayaks are in some parts of the world referred to as canoes.
Walker Bay Airis Angler Inflatable Fishing Kayak (12 Feet) Design: Traditional kayaks typically accommodate one, two or occasionally three paddlers who sit facing forward in one or more cockpits below the deck of the boat. If used, the spraydeck or similar waterproof garment attaches securely to the edges of the cockpit, preventing the entry of water from waves or spray, and making it possible, in some styles of boat, to roll the kayak upright again without it filling with water or ejecting the paddler. Modern kayaks have evolved into numerous specialized types, that may be broadly categorized according to their application as sea kayaks, white water (or river) kayaks, surf kayaks, and racing kayaks (flat water, white water, or slalom), though many hybrid types exist as well, broadly labelled recreational kayaks. The label "kayak" is often misapplied to other small, human-powered vessels not descended from the kayak tradition, including multi-hull or outrigger boats and those which elevate above the water on hydrofoils. Sea kayaks are typically designed for travel by one or two paddlers on open water and in many cases trade manoeuvrability for seaworthiness, stability, and cargo capacity. Sea-kayak sub-types include open-deck "sit-on-top" kayaks, recreational kayaks, and collapsible "skin-on-frame" boats. White water kayaks are in some cases highly manoeuvrable boats, usually for a single paddler, and include such specialized boats as play boats and slalom kayaks. White water racers combine a fast, unstable lower hull portion with a flared upper hull portion to combine flat water racing speed with extra stability in open water: they are not fitted with rudders and have similar manoeuvrability to flat water racers. Surf skis, are specialized narrow and long boats for racing, surfing breaking waves and surf-zone rescues. Racing kayaks are designed for speed, and usually require substantial skill to achieve stability, due to extremely narrow hulls, though downriver racing kayaks are a hybrid style with white water boats. Surf Kayaks are in many respects similar to white water boats, however often equipped with up to three fins. Specialty surf boats typically have flat bottoms, and hard edges, similar to surf boards. The design of a surf kayak promotes the use of an ocean surf wave (moving wave) as opposed to a river or feature wave (moving water). They are typically made from rotomolded plastic, or fiber-glass. Modern kayaks are typically constructed from rotomolded plastic, wood, fabrics over wooden or aluminium frames, fibreglass, Kevlar, or carbon fiber. Most kayaks accommodate one or two paddlers, but some special-purpose boats may accommodate more. |
