71 Kayaking Facts: Benefits, History, Rules And Much More

Kayaking is a fun water sports activity that takes place in numerous rivers and a few seas.

This activity includes the use of inflatable kayaks along with paddle blades. Whitewater kayaking is famous for group and team-building activities as all the people involved have to put in their efforts to participate in healthy kayaking races.

Kayakers sit on top of these boats while holding on to their positions as the boats go through the rapids in white water. It is a difficult and adventurous sport, loved by all who participate by keeping the rules in mind.

Kayaks are also used as canoes on rivers, especially in places where the inner villages and towns are across rivers and daily traveling is required.

There are several interesting kayak facts that will surely increase your interest in the world of kayaking. After reading these facts, also check hockey facts and ice hockey facts.

Fun Facts About Kayaking

Kayaking is believed to be the most popular sport and is loved on the coast of Costa Rica and Alaska. However, this is not to say that other countries do not enjoy the joys of kayaking. There are specifically eight types of kayaks used in different places of the world for various purposes.

• The analysis of speed suggests that the longer your boat or kayak is, the faster it will move.
• These boats were referred to as umiak by the traditional tribal users as they used them to travel across the rivers and move their family and belongings from one place to another.
• As a sport, it is believed that all those who wish to compete and set records of victory are to complete the courses as provided in the guidelines on the scale of difficulty recognized internationally. This ensures uniformity across countries and makes the results of the competitions valid and reliable.
• An interesting fact is that in the first Olympics that were held, it was Germany who won the most medals in kayaking and the use of canoes on rivers and rapids.
• A canoe or a kayak is always controlled by a single kayaker unless, of course, the kayak is a big one and is a double seater. Either way, it is controlled and moved with the help of double-blade paddles.
• The paddle blades cut through water sharply, moving it forward and keeping it balanced.
• Kayakers learn paddling as a part of controlling the boat.
• Modern kayaks are very different from the traditional canoe style that was used earlier.
• Unlike before, modern kayaks are made with waterproof materials and in most cases are inflatable, making them lighter than the traditional canoe.
• These kayaks were previously referred to as canoes, especially in Great Britain.
• The longest kayaking ride to have ever been recorded lasted for seven years and is believed to be a legendary experience in the history of kayaking.
• Even though several countries participate in kayaking competitions, it is Europe that has won the most awards in the last couple of competitions.
• The largest-ever crowd for white water kayaking, with kayakers from all over the world, was recorded in 2003 on the Pigeon River.
• Kayaking in cold water needs courage and skills.
• Kayak fishing is another way of using your kayaking skills.
• In sea kayaking, the paddles can be used to reach the middle of the sea and with this, grab something to either eat at home or sell in the market. Either way, the experience is amazing.
• Kayak fishing and kayak races using hunter's boats have gained immense popularity in modern times as people have started exploring the world around them for the joys of life and experiences that it offers.

Rules About Kayaking

For all kinds of sports, there are certain rules and regulations that should be adhered to in order to enjoy the sporting activities without getting hurt or causing harm to yourself or/ and others.

• In kayaking too, there are certain rules that have been prescribed and must be kept in mind by kayakers and paddlers at all times.
• Paddlers should be aware of the day's forecast before riding into the water.
• Whether it is river kayaking or sea kayaking, keeping note of the weather, wind strength, and conditions is an important aspect of kayaking.
• Depending on whether the kayak is a sit-in type, or the paddler sits on top, the clothes should be chosen so that the kayakers stay protected from elements that may distract or harm them.
• There are certain minute differences in the rules pertaining to kayaking when using the boat in a different country or region.
• This is mainly because of the differences in the weather conditions and the kind of rapids present in the river and seas of that location.
• Never go out kayaking without informing anyone.
• The weather in the coastal areas changes quickly and a sudden change in the wind or flow of water can make it difficult to navigate back to shore. So, if someone is aware that you are in the water, they can get help and assistance.
• The word kayak comes to play especially when the boat strikes adverse conditions and hunts its way to the peaceful ground.
• Whitewater kayaking and sea kayaking both use modern kayaks now, which are inflatable and lighter than animal skin canoes.
• The capacity of the kayak selected must always be kept in mind and the weight should be appropriately adjusted to ensure that the kayak does not tilt due to excess weight on one side.
• It is also always advised that the kayaker should be in a proper state of mind, he/she should not be intoxicated.
• Kayakers should be aware of the proper way of holding and using paddle blades and should learn basic first aid for when help is needed in the water.
• It is necessary to maintain calmness and not get panicked in case there are some issues in the boat.
• Always remember to wear an individual floater or inflated jacket when heading close to the water.
• Wearing a helmet is also part of the essential equipment to keep handy in case of an accident; it is the helmet that can protect the drifter's head from injuries.
• Dehydration is another phenomenon that can cause issues while kayaking in open waters.
• Sea kayaking especially requires the kayakers to be well hydrated with food and water.
• Most importantly, if traveling alone, it is better to always know the routes of the local region.
• In case there are too many hurdles or the climate of a particular rapid is not suitable, the kayaker should be aware of alternate routes from where he/ she can reach land and save themselves.
• Although these boats are created to protect the paddlers, it is always better to be careful and aware of the safety precautions needed.

The History Of Kayaking

Kayaks were developed centuries ago. The oldest specimens of ancient kayaks are still displayed in the museums of Germany. Here are some interesting kayaking facts about the history of kayaking:

• Archeologists have dated the oldest kayak to be around 4000 years old.
• People referred to as Eskimos, who lived in the regions which are presently known as Canada, Greenland, and Alaska, are believed to be the first people to invent a kayak.
• Interestingly, the word kayak originally meant 'hunter boat', probably because the Eskimos made them to hunt sea animals such as fish and seals.
• Expectedly, the first kayaks that the people in ancient times used were not made from the materials that are used to build the modern kayaks. They used animal skins that were leftover after they ate the animals.
• Creative ancient men used whale fat to ensure that the kayaks remained waterproof and did not allow the icy cold water to drench the kayakers.
• It was in the 1800s that the Europeans cut through the cold waters for sports using their first kayaks.
• Around that time, even the tribal populations were learning of the use of kayaks for traveling and sport.
• Kayaking facts about the rich history and the development of this sport have also been found to attract people to boats and canoes in recent years.
• People using modern kayaks compete in whitewater rafting.
• This concept was first introduced by an adventurous Australian man who traveled across a river, through the cold water rapids.
• It was in 1936, that for the first time, kayaking was introduced as a sport in the Olympic games.
• The size of kayaks has always varied.
• Kayaks were used in their traditional sense as a hunter's boat not only in the past but even today.
• The hunters' boats 'hunt' out their competition in whitewater kayaking competitions.
• Sitting on top and paddling through the rapids is not an easy job and not every paddler can do it effectively.

The Benefits Of Kayaking

Every sport has a set of benefits and side effects or dangers associated with them.

• Kayaking is often seen as a recreational activity and a way to relax and enjoy the open flow of waters by the general public.
• Only sports enthusiasts and adventurers get thrilled by kayaking in rapids all by themselves.
• Whether it is fishing kayaks or whitewater kayaks, people love something different from their regular lives.
• Like most other sports, kayaking has physical benefits associated with it.
• Paddling long distances is not easy.
• It takes a lot of energy and exercise to be able to maneuver kayaks.
• Hands, neck, and breathing are greatly challenged and exercised during this activity.
• Along with an increase in strength, the muscles of the upper body are also toned.
• Regular kayaking is known to improve heart health and also increase the endurance levels of individuals.
• Kayaking under the sun for long hours also helps increase levels of vitamin D within the kayakers.
• Being outside with nature reduces the daily stress levels that accumulate over time and is also effective in increasing the level of happiness the kayaker experiences.
• Using these boats assist the paddlers in improving their focus and concentrating better on all aspects of life on a regular basis as the mind becomes fresh and energized.
• This in turn has positive effects on the memory of all individuals and helps in getting deeper, more peaceful sleep for a considerable period of time.
• It is a good time for socializing with fellow kayakers and ensuring self-improvement and the development of personality.
• Single kayaking also allows the rider to peacefully reflect on self and life.
• Irrespective of the benefits, if the rules are not followed, there can be severe disadvantages to kayaking.
• These can include serious injuries, drowning, muscle cramps, getting lost, and cold shocks from falling into the icy cold water.
• Always remember to ensure safety while enjoying this wonderful sport.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for kayaking facts then why not take a look at interesting baseball facts, or basketball facts.