Sea kayaks are small seaworthy boats that feature a covered deck and the ability to incorporate a spraydeck. This makes the less maneuverable than your standard white water kayak however it provides much more storage and cargo space. Sea kayaks are also easier to paddle in a straight line and provide comfort for those longer journeys.

Sea kayaking has become a popular vocational activity as it is easy to pickup and can be enjoyed by the whole family. These types of kayaks can be hired relatively cheaply however they are expensive to buy.

Sea kayaks are used throughout the world but are particularly popular in North America. There are many sheltered bays in this region, which provide good kayaking conditions and allow people to take in the great views.
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Plastic kayaks are often affordable, widely available and offer a great level of stability. They are often the cheapest on the market and are easily maintained.

There are two types of plastic kayaks. These include blow-molded kayaks and roto-molded kayaks. Blow molded kayaks tend to sturdy and resistant to scuffs. This is because of the special protection applied to them. The roto-molded kayaks often light weight and more flexible which makes them perfect for white water kayaking.

If you are someone who occasionally kayaks or takes the odd kayaking break then a plastic kayak can be perfect. The more experienced user who likes white water touring might find that plastic kayaks are not the best option. This is because they are susceptible to scuffing and in turn create drag. This will slow down your performance.
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Inflatable kayaks tend to look a bit like an inflatable dingy but yet providing a surprisingly sturdy performance. These types of kayaks are sometimes referred to as the ducky and can be transported by hand using a carrier bag.

An inflatable kayak has to be pumped up before use using a foot pump and almost always require less than 3 psi. This means that they require little pressure. The quality of inflatable kayaks can also range widely. At the more expensive end you can get kayaks that are designed to be hard and seaworthy. At the lower end of the scale you will find kayaks that are built for calm waters and occasional use. A professional or enthusiast would tend not use this type of kayak.
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The folding kayak is a descendent of the Inuit kayak and is traditionally made from animal skin and wood. Modern folding kayaks tend to be made up of plastic or a wooden or metal frame and a tough fabric skin. Folding kayaks have become extremely popular as they are readily available and are almost unsinkable. This is because of the air chambers that are built into the hull of the kayak.

Folding kayaks are well known for their durability, longevity and stability. You might think that folding kayaks are a new conception but in fact you will see folding kayaks dating back to the 1930’s and 1940’s on the waterways.
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Lightweight and versatile kayaks.

Fiberglass kayaks are highly regarded amongst kayak enthusiasts because of their versatility and ability to hold their shape. Fiberglass is extremely strong and its lightweight properties mean that owners can transport these types of kayaks easily. A must for any regular.

Lightweight kayaks are also great in the water. These kayaks adapt well to rapids and are much easier and quicker to paddle. Many people use these types of kayaks for touring and many different shapes and sizes of fiberglass kayaks have been developed.
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All kayaks today are based on the artic kayak design and are often referred to as the original kayaks. These were traditionally made from a wooden frame and covered in sealskin to form the waterproof barrier. This design made them extremely lightweight yet at the same time very strong. This was important at the time as Inuits and people from other civilizations needed to easily carry a kayak from one river to another.

Although modern day kayaks don’t much look like arctic kayaks many of their basic structural and design elements remain the same. All arctic kayaks were built by hand and by individuals, which mean design and build materials often varied. People would build them to suit their specific needs. The non-standardization of arctic kayaks meant that it took a long time for Europe to catch up and replicate the Inuits designs.
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Joining a kayaking club can be a great way to meet new people, find new places to kayak and of course learn new skills. Read the rest of this entry »

Learn about kayak safety and the buddy system in this free video.

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Learn how to maintain your kayaking gear to keep it in good condition in this free video.

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Learn how to turn your kayak in different directions using your paddle in this free video.

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