Kayaking Information - Canoe

Kayaking is rapidly becoming a very popular sport especially during the summer months , thousands of people worldwide participate in this fun sport. Unlike many other water sports  Kayaking is  great for the whole family (even the little ones can take part ina double kayack) and as well as being fun is also  a great workout.

Like all sports kayacks come in many different styles including  a canoe kayak. Very similar to the canoe, the canoe kayak does definitely have its major differences however. There are three major distinctions that separate a canoe from a kayak.

First, while a kayak is a decked boat while a canoe is not, and this is the most major difference. There is also the fact that when using the boat, a kayaker sits flat with his legs extended under the deck and his upper body rising from a central hole in the deck, while a canoer will kneel in the boat.

The third major distinction between a canoe and a kayak lies in the paddle, as a canoe utilizes a shorter paddle with a blade on only one end while the kayak uses a longer paddle with blades at both ends of the rod.

A canoe kayak basically incorporates the best of both worlds, taking the most favorable features of both boats and combining them into one as a result.

Equipment

If you are interested in going kayaking, there are a few pieces of equipment that you are going to need to equip yourself with. Obviously the first and most important piece of equipment you are going to need for kayaking is the kayak. You will need to choose a kayak that is large enough for all members to fit into, but not too large that you are not going to be able to control it.

You are also going to need paddles, so that you can move the kayak when you are in it. Before you head out on a kayaking adventure you are going to need to learn how to use these paddles, and they can definitely be a bit tricky to start with.

If you decide to take this sport further at some point you will went to consider a wetsuit either full length of the short ones like you see on baywatch.  This is not important to start with as  you can just wear your regular clothes BUT not jeans as these just get wet and heavy and will make you sore.

Wetsuits have the advantage that if you are to fall into the water, at least you will not be weighed down by your clothes. Wetsuits are also designed to keep you warm once you are wet as they trap a layer of water which is warmed up with your body heat so ideal for long day trips should you be unlucky to fall in You also don’t want random pieces of your outfit getting caught on kayak, especially if it turns over with you in it - this is especially  the case if you are wearing large bulky trainers.