Kayaking, less commonly known as cardiac, calico or calico, is a real lifestyle. We are talking about an adventure water sport which, depending on the method practised, can become extreme.
If among those who know nothing about colour, but you are intrigued by the prospect of getting on a kayak, we advise you to continue reading this article in which we will explain everything about this type of boat.
If this year you want to discover secret caves, hidden tunnels and places full of charm you should have no doubts: take a kayak. It is not even an impediment to having children since anyone over 7 can go up there. But remember, no matter how experienced you are, you must never forget the basic safety rules if you want to avoid risks and surprises while travelling.
Right below are the best kayak that would be great for an adventurous person.
Everything You Need to Know About Kayak
What Is Kayaking?
Kayaking is a water sport that takes place with a type of canoe, called a kayak. Invented by the Inuit, an ancient Eskimo civilization, it was used as a means of transport, for hunting and for fishing. The Inuit could only get on the kayak after they came of age and it was then that the family built a new boat.
Today the kayak is a very light type of canoe that can hold one, two or four members on board, called kayakers or even canoeists, for this reason, the boats are technically called K-1, K-2 and K-4. Navigation takes place with the use of double-blade paddles that do not need to lean against the hull. In the case of sea or crossing kayaks, the course is directed by a rudder located at the driver’s feet.
How Many Kayaking Modes Can I Practice?
Keep in mind that there is no kayak suitable for all modes, so depending on the activity you want to practice you will need one type of boat or another. The performance offered by each of the different models is also different, so before buying a kayak, think carefully about what your purpose will be.
We, therefore, distinguish two types of kayaks: open and closed. The former usually measure from 2.50 to 4 meters and the crew members travel seated inside the boat. There is, therefore, no passenger compartment and the hull has holes to facilitate the exit of the water due to the waves. They are ideal for beginners.
These types of kayaks are much more stable than closed ones in which the driver is sometimes called upon to perform the Eskimo manoeuvre. In addition to these two types, we also highlight the removable, folding and modular kayaks whose goal is to make transport easier.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Kayaking?
We have already explained to you what the different types of kayak are and each of them has some advantages in common that we will explain below. Keep in mind that kayaking is not only an official sport today, but has become a way of having fun that even allows you to go fishing.
Advantages
- It improves physical fitness as it activates a large part of the muscles
- It puts you in contact with nature
- It frees you from stress by requiring concentration
- Increase social relationships
- It allows you to get to know unforgettable places
Disadvantages
- transporting
- Depending on the type of kayak you buy, the expense will be greater
What Material Is a Kayak Made Of?
The most common material is polyethene, the most resistant plastic, while the lightest and most manoeuvrable kayaks are made of fibreglass, a material more prone to breaking due to impact or abrasion, but which can be repaired. The composite kayaks (kevlar or carbon fibres) offer greater rigidity and resistance to the boat.
What Are the Parts of The Kayak?
If you are not yet a kayak expert but have decided to take one, you should have at least a minimum knowledge of its parts. Below we explain what this boat is made up of, always taking into account the difference between the cockpit of open kayaks and that of closed kayaks.
- Rudder: It is optional if present it is located at the driver’s feet. It is a fin-like element.
- Seat: Composed of back and seat.
- Lifeline: Rope that surrounds the kayak and allows the kayaker to hang on in the event of a fall in the water.
- Bow: Front. Its shape affects speed.
- Stern: Rear.
- Cockpit or cockpit: Place where the kayaker is sitting inside the kayak.
- Rudder control: Used to raise or lower the rudder when the kayaker is in the water.
- Hull: It is the lower part of the kayak. Its shape is very important depending on the activity you want to carry out.
- Keel: Lower part (remains submerged). He is responsible for giving directionality to the kayak.
- Pedals: Place where the kayaker keeps his feet flat. The rudder is controlled by the pedals.
- Storage net: To keep the objects that the kayaker wants to bring with him.
- Handles: For carrying and moving the kayak.
- Door: Waterproof compartment used for carrying equipment. Indispensable in closed and fishing kayaks.
How Can I Transport My Kayak?
If you have chosen to buy a rigid kayak, you must always carry it following safety measures to prevent it from moving or even falling over you, putting you and other users at risk. Below we provide you with a summary of the legislation with the most important points you need to keep in mind:
You must have a preferably long car since the kayak cannot exceed 15% of the length of the vehicle (it must never do so from the front). Nothing can protrude from the sides. The load cannot cover the license plates or the car lights or any other type of signalling or lighting.
You will need to purchase roof bars for your car to ensure that the kayak hull is not damaged (you can also use a homemade foam coating to prevent damage to the boat’s coating).
The hull of the kayak can be positioned upwards or downwards. In the latter case, it is essential to purchasing a kayak holder to adapt the bars to the hull.
You have to tie your kayak firmly to the bars but don’t overdo it as you could damage the hull.
Finally, you must report your load with the V20 plate. In case you don’t know what it is, it’s a square plate with white and red stripes: you have to put it on the tip of the load as long as your kayak protrudes from the car.
Can Children Surf in A Kayak?
If your child is approximately seven years old, you can take him to your cockpit between his legs. The other much more attractive option for the little ones is duffing which allows you to sit in the central cabin of the kayak. High speeds and long journeys cannot be achieved in this position. In the future, your child will be able to go alone in a kayak and with a paddle suitable for his age.
Kind of Kayak
Depending on the activity you want to practice and taking into account your experience, you can opt for an open or closed kayak. Closed kayaks require more knowledge of the technique and are increasingly unstable than open ones. In this type of boat, the user is seated inside a cockpit or cockpit sealed with a cover that prevents the passage of water.
Closed kayaks allow navigation both in rivers and seas, great mileage performance and are usually made of fibreglass. Open or self-emptying kayaks are characterized by being much cheaper and offer easy transport.
Paddle Types
You can choose between aluminium paddles (very basic), spoon paddles (light and for calm waters), sea or fishing paddles (carbon fibre and resistant) and Greenlanders. You have to take the length into account and decide between a straight paddle and an ergonomic paddle. The blades, in plastic, nylon, fibre or carbon, can be at a high or wide-angle.
Conclusions
More than a sport, kayaking is a lifestyle for those who practice it often. If you are among a colour who are thinking of experiencing this world of sensations and emotions, follow your instincts and you will not regret it. To get started we recommend that you opt for a comfortable boat without too many sailing needs.
You can go out alone or with friends, you will also notice an improvement in your fitness and get rid of stress. Transportation will no longer be a problem if you decide to buy an inflatable kayak that is also generally quite inexpensive. Even if you love fishing, try kayaking: it won’t disappoint you.
