The History of Kayaks

The History of Kayaks

A kayak is a small, narrow boat whose body is closed and integrated with a top layer known as a deck. It is propelled using a specially-made paddle, with blades on both ends. The person using a kayak for transportation is usually called a kayaker. Kayaks were first used as hunting vessels. This paper gives a brief history of the development of kayaks, their uses and their significance in the transportation sector. In addition, the article uncovers a number of traditional details upon which modern kayaks are based.

The Development of Inuit Kayaks

The natural notion of hunting and fishing integrating with the use of kayaks in transportation is not widely acknowledged. Based in the ideas of few anonymous researchers, since large animals such as marine animals and land animals migrate up and down along sea shores, the indigenous people came up with a sea water vessel that would enable them to go into deeper seas, hunt and transport their kill back to the shore.

The Inuit people invented kayaks around one thousand years ago. They dwelt in the highly freezing regions of the Northern Arctic. Once the Kayaks were invented, they underwent real development, which led to their transformation from primitively made boats to modern designs. During this development time, every generation came up with new ideas on how the vessel could be made better. Upon getting new ideas, the just passed-on the to the next generation and the continued with the development stages.

Design Features of Inuit Kayaks

Various historical evidences prove that the Kayaks were being made in different designs and sizes across the world. However, the Inuit kayaks were a little bit more advanced as compared to the ones made by other nations. Several features could be noticed on Inuit Kayaks. First, the body of these kayaks was void of beams, which made them look slim. Their width was also made standard to ensure that a person could easily slide in easily without any problem. The design ensured that water waves could not destabilize them no matter what, not even a whirlpool.

Water waves had to act on the center of the vessel, which was just at the cockpit. The upper side of the kayaks was made in such a way that it could prevent water waves from absorbing into the vessel. This property is still noticeable in modern designs where the upper side of modern kayaks is watertight.

Despite the need to harvest a variety of marine animals such as whales, seals and walrus, Inuits did not develop a larger kayak that could carry heavy loads. This was due to the major aspect of navigation and maneuverability. Additionally, the sea creatures that they harvested were never heavy enough to require a large vessel (Morgan, Ewart & Reeves 120). This fact, however, sounds as an invalid reason due to the presence of other nations that used large vessels and yet they hunted similar creatures.

Avanersuaq Boat Style of Kayaks

The main aspect that distinguished the Greenland tundra avanersuaq style of a kayak from other present versions was the lighter mode. In addition to this, modern kayakers associate this model with a loss of traditionalism (Hoare 13). The world of kayaking has been exposed to modern technology. For instance, while acquiring a vessel for sports kayaking, the ratings of products in the market are considered.

Aluminium cages are also used so that they can be connected to carbon fibre hull. All these modifications may end up being considered while establishing the design of an Avanersuaq kayak despite the fact that the different parts are derived from different manufacturers. The Avanersuaq boat style of kayak does not have a custom design for each specific paddler. This implies that a paddler only needs to adjust certain dimensions to conform to his or her size. These dimensions include the hip area and the distance from the peddling station to the bow.

The space below the bunker of this design is broader due to the aleutar low rise. The aspect of the increased volume on the hull ensures that the vessel is a perfect choice for the new trend of ‘wake-hopping’ sport. However, the traditional offset considered for the hull only made the vessel to be just half a way from almost being disqualified as being used for hunting. The sense in the statement lies in the fact that the original aspect of making kayaks did not incorporate any idea of making them classroom where people can be thought some skills.

Types of Kayaks

The world of kayaking is characterized by various types of kayaks. Pioneering kayakers have managed to come up with a wide range of kayak designs, each bearing special features that distinguishes it from the rest. Some of the common types of kayaks include surfing and whitewater kayaks, touring kayaks, fishing kayaks and hobie kayaks. These versions of kayaks can be used for different purposes as their names imply. However, many people like engaging in recreational kayaking. It has been on the highest demand for the last couple of centuries.

Kayaks were invented around a thousand years ago by the Inuit people. They were designed to enable hunters get down to the sea to hunt, down the streams to scoop fish and the ability to move through ice insurmountable by canoes. Like many other inventions, the Inuit kayaks also underwent significant redesign to make them perfect for the hunter. Modern kayaks that are used for sporting activities embrace the same ideas upon which the Inuit kayaks are based.