The definition of a Kayak is a small enclosed boat the word Kayak literally meaning small
hunting boat They were originally developed by tribes of north America, northern Asia and Alaska for
hunting trips in semi frozen Arctic Circle. Kayaks have come a long way since their early development
which can be traced back through archaeological evidence for thousands of years. The modern Kayak however
still shares certain similarities to its distant ancestors and essentially are still small enclosed boats.
Modern Kayaks are manufactured from a number of hi tech materials the most common being the rotation molded
plastic kayaks which are made through a process of polyurethane plastic pellets which are injected into a heated
and rotating aluminium mold which is then cooled to allow the mold to set. Plastic Kayaks have taken over somewhat
from glass fibre kayaks which although still made are generally more expensive and heavy than their roto-molded
kayak cousins. The process for manufacture of a fibre glass kayak differs from rotation molding in that the molds
and generally constructed from wood and the kayak is built up layer by layerwithin the mold. with fibre glass strips
and resin. Latest developments in materials include carbon and Kevlar composites
with a relatively high cost, composite materials tend to be used in the manufacture of high end
kayaks and in particular for racing kayaks where strength to eight is a big consideration and
recreational and white-water kayaks where the need for durability and strength are a must.
If you're looking to by a New or Used Kayak and your new to kayaking you should seek advice from your
local canoes and kayaks store to determine what style of kayaking you
wish to take up and for recommendations on the sort of kayak that would suit. In brief Kayaks can
be broken down into the following groups: white-water kayaks and recreational kayaks (designed for increased
manoeuvrability in white-water), ocean kayaks and sea kayaks (designed specifically for ocean and coastal travel
these style of kayaks are quite often fitted with a small pedal operated rudder for better
straight line travel, sit-on-top kayaks (designed more for fun and recreation market), racing kayaks (specialist
boats for as the name suggests fast racing), Inflatable kayaks (as the name states made from tuff neoprene
and easily inflatable, Inflatable Kayaks are manufactured for almost all of the above kayaking styles.
If you are new to kayaking it is highly recommended to get some expert tuition before taking to the water,
help and tuition should be easy to find at your local canoe and kayak store. for more information
Used Kayaks
