Kayaks are distinguished from a canoe by having a covered deck and typically a spray deck to protect the canoeist (kayaker) from spray. Kayaks are propelled using a double bladed single paddle. Traditionally Kayaks were used by natives of North America, North eastern Asia & Greenland for sea and river travel. The modern day Kayak has been much developed from its early routes and has diversified into a large number of types ranging from white-water kayaks, Slalom kayaks, Sea Kayaks and Ocean Kayaks. Kayaks are made from a wide number of materials from traditional wood construction through to carbon Kevlar composites.

KAYAKS InFORMATION

The Kayak is distinguished from a canoe by having a covered deck and typically a spray deck to protect the canoeist (kayaker) from spray. Kayaks are propelled using a double bladed single paddle. Traditionally Kayaks were used by natives of North America, North eastern Asia & Greenland for sea and river travel. The modern day Kayak has been much developed from its early routes and has diversified into a large number of types ranging from white-water kayaks, Slalom kayaks, Sea Kayaks and Ocean Kayaks. Kayaks are made from a wide number of materials from traditional wood construction through to carbon Kevlar composites.

HISTORY OF THE KAYAK

Kayaks are one of the oldest known forms of human transport with archaeological evidence of Kayaks having been found as far back as 4000 years. Examples of which can be found in the State Museum of Ethnology in Munich. Kayaks were originally developed and used by the indigenous people of the Sub Arctic circle including Eskimo and Inuit and were made from seal skin stretched and stitched over a wooden frame. The wood itself being gathered from driftwood. The Kayak roughly translated means “Mans Boat”. The term Kayak has become a collective description of a number of distinct types of small boat including the Alaskan baidarka and large 3 seater variation used for sea travel and hunting and known as a Umiak. Originally these forms of Kayak were paddle by one or more person using a single bladed paddle.

MODERN KAYAKS

Modern Kayaks have diversified into a wide number of distinct classes of boat and made from a wide range of materials including moulded plastic, aluminium, wood, fibreglass, Carbon fibre and Kevlar kayaks or a composite of a number of the materials listed.

 

Sea Kayaks

designed for open water and ocean travel for one or two persons. Ocean Kayaks are generally less manoeuvrable than freshwater models as manoeuvrability has been sacrificed for improved sea worthiness.

White-water Kayaks

White-water Kayak designed for manoeuvrability and durability usually for a single paddler in white-water rapids is further diversified by distinct white-water kayaks such as slalom kayaks and play boats.

Surf Skis

Surf Kayaks commonly known as surf skis, specifically designed their wave breaking ability and regularly used by life guards for rescue on surfer beaches.

Folding Kayaks

Folding Kayaks have a flexible outer skin and collapsible frame to enable easier portability when being carried over land. Folding Kayaks are known for their tough durability and are directly descended from early Eskimo kayaks which could be folded and carried for long distances over pack ice and rebuilt when at the sea edge.

Fishing Kayaks

Fishing Kayaks  usually somewhat larger than their kayak derived cousins and being  designed to carry one or two people and fishing tackle

Wooden Kayaks

Wooden Kayaks are still being made and paddled , based on the traditional Wood Kayak They are now manufactured using a wooden construction which is then coated in a layer of fibreglass , This gives contemporary Wooden Kayak  a great strength to weight ratio.

KAYAK TRIPS

• Kayaks Information
• Kayak Trips
• Kayak Clubs

 

KAYAK ARTICLES

Used Canoes Deals Online

If you’re an experienced canoeist and looking for a Used Canoe then odds are you already know exactly what you’re looking for. If your new to the sport of canoeing and kayaking then congratulations it truly is a great sport you are entering weather you are thinking of white-water canoes , traditional canoes, Sea Kayaks or the myriad of other styles of canoeing you will surely find a pastime that is exhilarating and healthy. Canoes come in many forms a good starting point for beginners is to take a look at inflatable canoes and kayaks as the cost of investment is a lot less and transport for obvious reasons is a lot easier. It’s also worth seeking expert tuition before going solo canoeing of any sort involves open water and has the potential to be dangerous for someone who is not aware of the hazards and risks associated. Happily there are manyCanoe and Kayak clubs who will be able to provide you with expert instruction from a Canoe instructor to take you through the basics.  Used Canoes and Used Kayaks has got a lot easier with so many online resources springing up in recent years in fact many canoe and kayak clubs will have their own websites where members may be selling their boats. Also a number of the specialist canoe shops will advertise second-hand canoes from their part exchange stock.  Modern day canoes have become quite diverse in both range and materials from inflatable boats, fibreglass, plastic, wood, carbon and Kevlar or even a composite canoe of a number of the materials listed. In any case the same rule applies when buying a used canoe online. You should not part with money until you have seen and checked the boat in person. If you are new to the sport look to buy a boat through a trusted source either your local canoe society or club or recognised specialist canoe retailer where you will more than likely be able to get a limited warranty If your buying from a private source its worth taking an experienced friend along with you to check out the boat before you hand over your hard earned cash. Hull integrity should be looked at and general wear and tear. Lastly compare prices for the model you are buying maybe you can get something very comparable and brand new for a similar price. In anycase
I wish you well as you will be entering into a great pastime that allows access to wonderful stretches of water across the globe.

 

 

CANOES SALE Information

For more Information on All things Canoe & Kayak please feel free to Contact Us