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When camping, one activity people combine with it is that of kayaking. And what a lot of fun and enjoyment one can derive from it. In broad terms kayaking is basically moving across water using a kayak. Canoeing is very similar to kayaking and both can be known as paddling. The difference between kayaking and canoeing is the sitting position of the paddler and the number of blades on the paddle. The International Canoe Federation defines the kayak as a boat where the user faces the front with legs outstretched to the front and a double bladed paddle is used to propel it. There are several different types of kayak, but most of them do have closed decks. There are sit on top kayaks which are growing rapidly in popularity and even inflatable kayaks nowadays which do not have decks but instead have chambers surrounding the kayak.
Kayaking
Kayaks are also classified by the materials that are used to build them and the design that they actually have. The kayak can have soft or hard chines and each needs different kind of handling. Depending upon which version you have, there are both advantages and disadvantages to each. Each specific design has particular advantages with performance, stability, manoeuvrability and paddling style. The materials that are used to build kayaks can be wood, plastic, metal, fabrics and inflatable fabrics such as rubber or PVC.
There are several configurations of the kayak as well. There are “sit on top” kayaks where the user sits on top of the kayak in an open area. “Tandems are kayaks for multiple paddlers instead of the single user design that most kayaks feature.
The Adventure of Kayaking
Nature has always held a great appeal to man with it’s abundance of beauty and strength. There is something alluring about water and especially intimidating. This can lead to provoking challenges and the seas, long rivers and fierce rapids through up challenges can cannot back down from. One way of taking on the challenge of the waterways is with kayaking.
Throughout the world there are different forms of kayaking adventures but by kayaking the person is put to the forefront and into situations they can only dream of. There are kayaking enthusiasts who participate in whale watching with their kayaks. Being in close proximity to one of these fantastic creatures is awe inspiring and provides a memorable lifetime experience. Some kayakers have even had the fortunate opportunity to go kayaking alongside killer whales or orcas. By being in a kayak it is possible for you to explore the wilderness of the oceans in their fullest beauty. Participating in your own kayak adventure will increase your awareness about the environment, the ecosystem and of course the need to preserve it.
Kayaking is an excellent activity to pursue when combined with camping. When kayaking you are able to discover and appreciate all the enchantments and wonders of the beautiful scenic waters and pure skies. As well as having outstanding scenery on your plate there is the added attraction of being in close proximity to local wildlife. Many people indulge in kayaking purely for it’s stress relieving qualities. Sea adventures are for the active type of kayaker and camping enthusiast and for those of you who prefer a slower experience can participate in lake kayaking. When you go camping you can join a small kayak school that has a fully qualified instructor leading it. This means that it is not necessary for you to have any previous kayaking experience. The teacher will teach you all you need to know as well as making you aware of all safety and rule issues.
So if you are a newbie and out on a camping trip and the opportunity to try kayaking arises, then grab that opportunity with both hands. When you set out on a kayaking experience there are thousands of plants and birds out there waiting for you as well as pristine waterways and depending upon your location, fantastic scenic back drops. The main piece equipment you require for this fantastic pursuit is a kayak. Which type of kayak you use is dependant upon the water you will be on. For example a sea kayak differs greatly from a white water kayak.
The next essential piece of camping and outdoor equipment you require for kayaking is the paddle. Again there are different paddles for different forms of kayaking. You can research paddles in an outdoor equipment store or even on the internet to help choose the right one for you. If you are in a kayaking group or school, the leader will provide you with the correct paddle. Other equipment required will be that of a life jacket to help keep you afloat if you leave your kayak unexpectedly. And maybe a helmet as well to protect your head. The helmet is a definite must if you are white water kayaking.
The kayak is classified by it’s use and there are actually 7 classifications. These classifications are as follows - Polo, whitewater, slalom, surf, touring, day tripping, racing and finally general recreation. Of course there are many sub classifications such as the fishing kayak which comes under the general recreation banner. This fishing kayak is a general recreation kayak but has special features and accessories to make it a kayak that is easy to fish from. Another example of a sub classification is the creek kayak. This is a whitewater kayak which has been further designed to be able to cope with narrow gully type rivers and waterfalls. And within the sub classifications are further classifications which define the kayaks even further by their own individual performance. Many of the kayaks will handle differently when in use for example.
The canoe on the other hand is defined as being a boat where the user again faces forward but sits or kneels in the boat using a single bladed paddle. The canoe can have an open deck or a closed deck. There are several forms of kayaking such as white water kayaking and ocean kayaking.
And as each particular kayak design has it’s own advantages, so does the particular material have it’s own advantages as well. For example the inflatable kayak is made from lightweight fabrics and they can be dried, deflated and stored easily anywhere. On the other hand a wooden kayak can be built from a kit but is heavy and difficult to transport. But they have a greater strength than the inflatable kayak.
The “cockpit style” is where the paddler sits with his or her legs and hips inside the kayak hull with a spray deck to create a water resistant seal all around the waist. And “inflatable” are a hybrid that have an open deck, but the paddler sits below the level of the deck.
Kayaking Links
The Kayak
Choosing A Kayak
Storing A Kayak