Kayaks are amazing watercraft and, while television shows about outdoor life would have you think otherwise, their purpose is very different from that of the modest canoe. Kayaks were created for a particular reason and throughout the years, that purpose has remained the kayak’s very own, irreplaceable by any other watercraft.
Kayaks were created by the Aleuts and the Inuit people living in the arctic regions of the world. These groups of people often had very, very cold water which could be lethal if left to sit around a person’s feet for too long. To correct this problem, the Aleuts and Inuit created closed-top boats that were made to fit only one or two people, which allowed them to keep the water out of their boats and thus helped them stay warmer in the arctic climate.
Today, modern technology has created multiple types of kayaks. It’s hard to categorize all the different boats that came from the original kayak, but they may be broadly categorized as sea kayaks, whitewater (or river) kayaks, surf kayaks, and racing kayaks.
Within the class of kayaks, there are four main types with four different purposes in mind. The sea kayak is built to hold cargo and is quite stable in the water, which makes it great for long trips or travel. The whitewater kayak is very much the opposite, being constructed for moving quickly down rapids with high maneuverability. Surf kayaks are designed to handle breaking waves and surf in rescue missions for when individuals fall overboard from boats. Lastly, racing kayaks are built for speed and are difficult to steer and maneuver without plenty of skill and practice.
Modern kayaks are typically constructed from roto-molded plastic, wood, fabrics over wooden or aluminum frames, fiberglass, Kevlar, or carbon fiber. They come in one-, two-, and occasionally three- or four-person models. Generally, people purchase a single person kayak or two person kayak and use them for white-water rafting or racing, since their sleek design allows for greater maneuverability and speed.
If the idea of zipping down a river quickly, moving easily through rapids to get an adrenaline rush and overcome a challenge of nature appeals to you, then a sport kayak may well be the boat for you. It’s quick, maneuverable hull allows for just the kind of speed and break-neck motions your adrenaline-loving heart desires. If you prefer to be at one with nature and glide silently over smooth waters, a sea-kayak would be an excellent choice for a relaxing ride.
