Kayak: The Versatile Watercraft for Adventure and Relaxation
Key Features of a Kayak
Kayaks have become an increasingly popular means of enjoying sporting and leisure boating activities. Kayaks resemble canoes in that both are long, narrow, lightweight paddle boats which are pointed at both ends. Like canoes, kayaks have a hull, which is the hollow bottom shell of the boat. However, several features distinguish kayaks from canoes.
Kayaks are water displacement vessels, which means they float just below the surface, forcing the water to be pushed aside as they move. Canoes, on the other hand, float on the water's surface. Because the kayak sits lower in the water, it requires a deck. The deck is the semienclosed covering on the kayak's top. The purpose of the deck is to keep waves from washing over the edges of the boat and filling the hull with water.
The cockpit is the opening placed in the center of the deck where the kayaker sits. The cockpit is surrounded by a raised lip called the coaming. Other kayak features include interior braces and bulkheads, interior flotation devices, and a cord called the grab loop attached to each end for towing and mooring. Some kayaks include elastic strapping or bungee cords across the deck for carrying lightweight equipment. Other kayaks have waterproof hatches that give access to the forward and aft compartments for additional storage. Some sea kayaks have a rudder controlled by foot pedals to assist steering.
Differences Between Kayaking and Canoeing
Kayaking is an excellent way to exercise and relax at the same time. A person sits upright in a kayak with legs extended to the front into the hollow hull. A double-bladed paddle is used for propulsion. Kayakers pull their crafts through the water by paddling with left and right strokes. A kayaker wears a life vest and, sometimes, a protective helmet. Waterproof spray skirts may also be worn. Spray skirts fit around the upper torso of the kayaker and attach to the deck around the cockpit opening to prevent water from splashing into the cockpit when navigating rough water.
The two most common uses of kayaks are racing and recreational boating. Racing kayaks are built for speed and maneuvering on river rapids, while recreational kayaks are built for comfort and longer distance paddling on oceans and lakes. Other design features distinguish racing from recreational kayaks. For example, racing hulls are narrow and v-shaped, whereas recreational hulls are more rounded. The number of seating areas for racing would typically be not more than two, while up to four seats might be provided for recreational purposes. The length, width, and weight would vary as well.
Racing models tend to be shorter in length, 11-13 feet (3-4 m) long, and much lighter than recreational models. Some highly specialized racing kayaks weigh less than 25 pounds (11 kg). A typical recreational model will be 13-20 feet (4-6 m) long and may weigh as much as 75 pounds (34 kg). Most designs are no wider than 35 inches (89 cm) across.