The kayak is a small boat with a covered deck. The word ?kayak? is an Eskimo word that means ?small hunting boat?. Kayaks originate from the peoples inhabiting the Arctic Circle, who have been using them for hunting for many thousands of years.
The contemporary kayak is still very similar to the ones that were developed by the Eskimos. The innovations that the modern age has brought are in terms of materials. Instead of wood, plastic is now regularly used. Plastic kayaks are made by inserting polyurethane plastic pellets into a mold made of aluminum. The mold is heated causing the pellets to melt and adopt the shape of the mold. Upon cooling, the kayak is ready. Plastic kayaks are now more common than the fiberglass ones, because of their low cost and lightness.
Fiberglass kayaks start with a wooden mold. The fiberglass strips are then added layer by layer and glued together using resin. More modern materials such as Kevlar and carbon have also become available. However, because of their high prices, kayaks made with such materials are expensive and are destined for professional kayakers who use them in races or whitewater kayaking. In such disciplines, robustness and stability are very important so that users do not hesitate to spend on more performing kayaks.
New users imperatively have to gain the advice of more experienced kayakers in order to find out the exact kayak style that best suits their needs. Local canoe or kayak clubs are proficient at giving such expert advice. Broadly speaking, kayaks can be classified as follows:
- Whitewater and leisure-oriented kayaks?for rough waters
- Sea Kayaks; these have a small rudder to facilitate navigation in open waters
- Sit-on-top kayaks?for amateurs seeking a amusing activity
- Racing kayaks?usually for professionals
- Inflatable kayaks
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