Whitewater Kayaking: Know About It

Whitewater kayaking is a paddling sport in which a kayak (boat) is paddled on a moving water body. For some whitewater kayaking may be a fun carefree trip down the river while for some others, it is a challenging sport. Whitewater kayaking boats differ from those used in sea kayaking or whitewater racing.

Traditional kayaks were made of animal skins. Earlier whitewater kayaks were made of Kevlar or fiberglass but nowadays they are made of tough plastic, which is durable and flexible. Normally the size of a kayak ranges from 6-12 feet but sometimes it can be even longer.

Whitewater Kayaking Categories:

River Running- River running is a tour down the river. It is done for enjoyment as well as for experiencing the challenge of whitewater kayaking. It includes both short as well as long multi-day trips. Multi-day trips use gear-toting rafts for a comfortable experience. The competitive aspect of river running is whitewater racing.

Creeking- This involves typical and technical rapids. Creeking not only involves higher gradient but is also likely to include slides, running ledges, and waterfalls on small rivers. Creeking kayaks are high volume, rounded bow, and stern boats. These features provide extra safety margin against spinning and the kayak is controlled and resurfaces more quickly when coming off large drops. The competitive form of creeking is extreme racing.

Slalom- This is another form of whitewater kayaking. Kayakers try to make way in a designated section of river within a time limit and correctly negotiate gates at the same time. There are 20-25 gates, which should be navigated sequentially during the race. Red gates must be negotiated in upstream direction and green gates in downstream. The gate placement and precisely paddling through them fast without touching the pole makes the move harder and tougher. Pro-level Slalom competitions have specific width and length requirements of boats that are made of fiberglass, Kevlar, carbon fiber so that they are lightweight and have faster hull speed. Slalom is the only whitewater kayaking sport in Olympics.

Play boating- Play boating is also known as freestyle kayaking. This is more an artistic and gymnastic kind of whitewater kayaking. The other whitewater kayaking varieties involve going from point A to B but in play boating, the play boaters often remain in one place in river. The play boaters work with and against the forces of river and perform various maneuvers like surfing, spinning and several vertical moves by staying in one spot. Recently aerial moves became accessible in which paddlers perform tricks. Play boating kayaks usually have low volume bow and stern enabling the paddler to submerge the kayak ends easily. In US, play boating competitions are known as whitewater rodeo but in UK and Europe, it is known as freestyle kayaking.

What Is Sea Kayaking?

Inuit developed kayaking many years ago as a means of hunting. Now kayaking has become a part of the Olympics. Sea kayaking is a paddling sport on open water of ocean, lake, or bay. Sea kayaks are small boats whose deck is covered. They have the ability to incorporate a spray deck. Sea kayaks are used for marine journeys. One, two, or three paddlers can accommodate in it along with space for food, water, camping gear, and other things. Sea kayaking is also known as ocean kayaking.

Design Of Sea Kayaks

The latest sea kayaks are available in various sizes, designs, and material suiting to the needs of users. Modern kayaks have features of traditional kayaks, but rigid and folding kayaks are somewhat different.

Sit On Top Kayak: these boats do not have an enclosed cockpit but have features of other sea kayaks.

Recreational Kayaks: these boats have large cockpits and wide beams.

Surf Skis: these boats are long and narrow and are used in breaking waves.

Inflatable kayaks: these boats have rigid frame with inflatable sponsons.

Size Of Sea Kayak

The size of sea kayak varies between 12 and 24 feet long. The width of kayaks ranges between 18 and 28 inches. Some boats, like surf skis, may be narrower. The kayak length affects both the cargo capacity and the tracking ability of the kayak. Tracking ability is the ability with which the kayak travels in a straight line. It is easy to paddle a long kayak but difficult to turn it. The kayak width affects the capacity of cargo (for both paddlers and gears), the maximum cockpit size, and the stability (which, to a certain degree, depends on the hull design).

Material Used

Hardshell kayaks are now made from polyethylene, fiberglass, Kevlar, carbon fiber, royalex (exotic materials), and plywood (hand-made system). Skin kayaks are made from wood or aluminum frames covered with Dacron, canvas, or other fabrics, along with inflatable tubes known as sponsons.

Bow, Stern And Deck

There are several design approaches for the bow, deck, and stern of a kayak. Kayaks with upturned bows aim to achieve better wave shedding ability and better wave performance. Others achieve this through the bows increased buoyancy. Unobstructed-stern-deck kayaks ease types of self-rescue. A sea kayak has one or more hatches to easily access the internal storage space of the kayak. Kayak decks have attachment points for deck lines as an aid in self-rescue.

Apart from this, sea kayaks may have a rudder or a skeg, a form of tracking aid and steering gear. Usually, rudders are attached at the stern and operated through wires. Skegs are straight blades that are used for straight paddling against wind.

What Are The Various Types Of Kayaks Used For Sea

What Are The Various Types Of Kayaks Used For Sea Kayaking?

Kayaking was developed by people of the Arctic for hunting. With time, kayaking became a part of the Olympics, especially sea kayaking. Sea kayaking is a paddling sport on lake, ocean, or bay. The sea kayak is available in several designs and is implemented using different materials. Sea kayaks are different from whitewater and other kayaks, as they have provision for storing cargo below deck and longer waterline. They may have skegs, rudders, and features like stern and bow for wave shedding. These are built to accommodate two or even three paddlers.

Types Of Sea Kayaks:

Strip-Built Kayaks: these kayaks are similar to rigid fiberglass boats that are commercially available but are much lighter than them. Strip-built kayaks are hand-made boats that represents the artwork. These boats are durable and lightweight. Strip-built kayak shape and size determine its performance and uses. The boats are made using thin strips of lightweight wood (pine, cedar, or redwood) that are glued together in a form, clamped or stapled, and then dried. A layer of fiberglass resin and cloth provide strength to the kayak.

Skin On Frame Kayak: these kayaks are considered more traditional boats in terms of design, material, technique, and construction. These are light and made of driftwood or sealskin. Nowadays, sealskin has been replaced with nylon or canvas covered with neoprene, paint, or hypalon coating. Inuit people still make use of skin on frame kayaks for hunting in Greenland. In the remaining part of the world, manufacturers continue the tradition of skin on frame boat with modern canvas or synthetic fabric.

Folding kayak- folding kayak is a special type of skin on frame boat. Folder is modern boat with collapsible frame of aluminum, wood, or plastic and skin of some durable and water-resistant material. Folding kayaks are known for their durability, longevity, and stability. Several kayaks have integral sponsons inside the hull that make the boat unsinkable. The paddling characteristics of folding kayak are similar to original skin on frame boat. Among the modern kayaks, the folding boat is the closest to past skin on frame kayak.

Sit-on-tops- manufacturers are producing sit-on-top kayak with a skeg for stability. These kayaks can accommodate one or two paddlers. However, few models of sit-on-top can even accommodate three or four paddlers. These are famous for diving and fishing, as participants can easily enter and exit the water, access hatches, and storage wells as well as change position. The seat of this boat is slightly above water level because of which center of gravity is higher in comparison to traditional boat. These kayaks are wider as compensation to the center of gravity.

Recreational kayak- these are used for fishing, peacful paddle in lake, or photography. The cockpit is large with wider beam (increased stability). The length of these boats is usually 12 feet, with limited cargo capacity.

Unwind With A Solitary Kayaking Trip

Most of us today lead hectic lives where we hardly find time for any leisure or rest. Forget leisure activities we do not even find time for ourselves. There are very few amongst us who find time to work out on a regular basis everyday. But it is extremely important that once in a while we unwind ourselves. Let the stress flow out. Simply get away from the daily hustle and bustle of life.

Kayaking- A Great Stress Buster

There are many methods to do this. A hobby is a good way to start off. Involve yourself in some sport is another way. If you are an extrovert who loves to be outdoors then you simply have to give kayaking a shot. Kayaking is a great sport and a leisure activity rolled into one. According to your needs and preferences, there are various types of kayaking activities that are available. But none can beat the solitary kayaking trip experience.

Access The Inaccessible

There are many areas in the wild as well as lakes that are simply not accessible with a regular kind of boat. Forget a motorized boat; even a normal paddle boat cannot reach places like small lagoons, canyons, etc. Well, a kayak might be your answer to these so called inaccessible places. A kayak is of a reasonably small structure and hence is easy to maneuver through all these places. This is an experience that most people would never forget. If you are one of those people who love to be close to nature, kayaking will help you in a big way.

Paddle Away Towards Self- Fitness

Kayaking along a canyon during sunset will be an experience that you will cherish for the rest of your life. But then it also has a lot of other hidden benefits. The fact that a kayak has to be maneuvered manually is one of the biggest advantages that a kayak has over other similar small boats. It will also help you to stay fit and healthy.

Kayaking is a great form of exercise. So while you paddle away in the calm of a river, you are doing yourself a lot of good.

In more ways than one, the solitary kayaking trip will do your psychological and physical health a world of good. You and your small kayak will actually blend with the natural surroundings and become a part of it.

Safety And Kits

If you are a beginner, it is always recommended that you take a partner along for your initial kayaking trips. Besides this you also need to look into other aspects like safety kits and gear. Be sure that you carry a first aid box at all times.
Before embarking on a solitary kayaking trip, make sure that you inform somebody about your whereabouts and the planned course that you have decided to undertake on your solitary kayaking trip.

Finding The Right Kayak The First Step To Kayaking

Finding The Right Kayak The First Step To Kayaking

The first and most basic step in kayaking is to find the right kayak. Though this is not a difficult job, it might be quite a confusing one as there are several varieties of kayaks out there, ranging from sea kayaks, white water kayaks and many more. It might not be as easy as you think to find the right one for yourself.

For people who do not know; a kayak is a small boat which is strikingly similar to the canoe. But in the kayak the users legs are hidden or are inside the kayak. This gives an appearance that the person is floating on water if seen from afar. This is also the most dangerous part of kayaking. If the kayak capsizes midway, there is virtually no way out unless you are a pro. So, this is one of the most important aspects of kayaking which you will be taught.

Your Size And Fit

You will find many different types of kayaks, but looking for a one that will fit you is the right way to start off your kayaking career. A right fit probably means, a kayak which offers you good leg space and you do not feel as if you have been cramped into a box in it. Look for a strong and sturdy kayak. One that is made from plastic is pretty reliable and can be pushed and dragged over rocks and crevices. Consider it as an option for it might be a good one for you.

A Folding Kayak

Nowadays, inflatable kayaks are also available that can be dismantled and folded down. These are easy to carry and are portable if you are looking to camp outdoors. They can be inflated using a hand pump or any other type of pump. This elevates kayaking to a whole new level. These kayaks have a thin but durable frame as their main chassis. They are very similar to the original kayaks which were used by the Inuits. You may go in for these as well if you like them. But always inspect the fit and the feel of the kayak first.

For You And Your Family

Kayaking has also become a family water sport as nowadays kayaks are also available for the entire family. These are bigger kayaks and are designed to accommodate an entire family of four. But unless you are a professional yourself, you may not want to try out this option.

Family kayaking is a great experience and is very popular across the world.If you are a beginner it is always recommended that you stick to the basics and try and master the art yourself. Once you are better equipped with the rules and art of kayaking, then you can always go in for other options like a family kayaking trip.

Paddling Styles For Sea Kayaking

The sea kayaking paddles and their associated paddling styles fall under two classifications-European and Greenland. Let us discuss about these styles in detail.

Paddle Style

European style: European paddles are blades in the shape of spoons at each end of a cylindrical shaft. European paddle style was developed for sudden maneuvering and fast acceleration in whitewater kayaking and then extended into sea kayaking. These paddles are made of aluminum, wood, or plastic. However, the best paddles are made of costlier material such as carbon fiber for lightness. The two spoon-like blades are set at an angle relative to one another (feathered) for enhanced efficiency as in this manner one blade moves backwards while the opposite one which is moving forward through air presents edge rather than face.

Greenland style: Greenland paddle is a long, narrow, and flat wooden plank with a cylindrical grip at center. It is like two elongated cricket bats that are joined at their handle base. Greenland is the traditional paddle style of Inuit hunters due to their material constraints (driftwood). The blades of Greenland paddles are feathered as in European paddles. The Greenland paddle is narrow in comparison to European paddle and is 7 feet long. The paddling technique involves more paddle movement in the paddlers hand and demands a huge variety of techniques for a capsized kayak by using combinations of both paddle and body movements. Many of these movements depend upon additional buoyancy of wooden paddle. Some other Greenland paddling techniques are associated with the other elements of Greenland style conditions and equipments and with the Greenland kayak design. Paddlers in modern kayaks sometimes even use Greenland paddle style.

Paddlers Safety

Paddling technique is important but even more significant is safety of paddlers in challenging conditions. Nowadays kayakers consider Eskimo roll a well-practiced self-righting move to be safe in open water kayaking even though it is a difficult and impossible maneuver to make in heavy-laden boats. Paddlers consider capsize the safest to paddle with one, two or more paddlers, as success of assisted rescue is more likely. Experienced paddlers attempt open water crossings without anyone accompanying them and various major long distance kayak expeditions are also carried out alone (solo). Sea kayakers are self-sufficient and carry extensive safety equipments like repair kits, towing lines, and survival gear along with them. Modern sea kayaks are so designed that they can carry a number of equipments for safety reasons while on expedition of two or more weeks without anyones support. So if you are going sea kayaking choose your paddle style accordingly and dont forget to carry safety equipments along with you.