Scarborough and District Canoe Club

Kayaking - A non exhaustive description

A kayak is essentially a boat that you sit in and are sealed into with a spray deck (see equipment section). The kayak is propelled by a double ended paddle by the kayaker - see photo

There are several different types of kayaking practiced in the club.

In no particular order they are :

Surf kayaking - the clue may be in the name. A surf kayak is a medium length boat - pictured is a seven foot four mega maverick surf kayak with a flatter bottom and often with fins. It is used for surfing waves and avoiding surfers on boards.

Play boating - probably the shortest of the boats. A play boat may be used on the sea or in a river. Again the clue is in the name it is used for playing rather than going efficiently from A to B.
Pictured are three different types (of both play boat and paddler!)

Sea kayaking - sea kayaks are probably the longest of the boats and the discipline could be likened to back packing by sea. A sea kayak, which is often 17 to 18 foot long or more, may be loaded with all the equipment needed for a completely self-sustained week or more long trip. As with all other forms of kayak, the shape, type and cost vary fantastically.

 

 

© Nik Stanbury 2008