KAYAK

Kayak adalah bot didayung oleh manusia. Ia dicipta oleh penduduk asal kawasan Artik di Amerika
Utara dan Greenland biasanya dikenali sebagai Inuit atau Eskimo. Perkataan "kayak" asalnya bererti
"bot manusia/lelaki". Pembinaan asalnya merupakan rangka kayu diselitupi dengan kulit haiwan
seperti kulit anjing laut. Kayak asal ini digunakan untuk memburu dilautan lepas Lautan Artik.

Kayak biasanya dikemudikan dengan menggunakan pendayung dua belah. Pengguna kayak atau

pendayung duduk dalam kayak dengak kaki mereka kehadapan. Bahagian atas kayak ditutup dengan
geladak. Pengayuh duduk dalam lubang di kokpit yang boleh ditutup dengan skirt limpahan
(atau spraydeck). Ini menjadikan bahawa, sekiranya kayak terbalik, kayak tidak akan dipenuhi air, dan
pendayung boleh menegakkan kayak kembali tanpa dipenuhi air. Pergerakan ini dikenali
sebagaigulingan Eskimo Eskimo Roll.

Pada zaman moden, kayak telah dimajukan lebih lanjut menjadi beberapa jenis termasuk : berkayak
di air putih whitewater kayaking, bot bermain playboats, surfing,kayak laut, perlumbaan air
tenang, berkanoe Slalom, polo kanoe dan riadah. Jenis-jenis ini boleh dipecahkan lagi. Kayak moden
diperbuat daripada plastik, fiberglass,kevlar, Serat karbon, kanvas atau kayu. Terdapat model untuk
seorang atau dua orang. Kini terdapat bot duduk di atas yang dimajukan, juga dipanggil kayak dan
dikendalikan dengan pendayung dua belah.

A kayak is a small human-powered boat that traditionally has a covered deck, and one or more
cockpits, each seating one paddler who strokes a double-bladed paddle. The cockpit is covered by
a spraydeck (skirt) that keeps the inside of the boat (and the paddler's lower body) dry.
The spraydeck or similar waterproof covering attaches securely to the edges of the cockpit,
preventing the entry of water from waves or spray, and making it possible, in some boats, toroll the
kayak, capsizing and righting the boat without it filling with water or ejecting the passenger. Some
modern kayaks eliminate cockpits, seating the paddler(s) on top of the boat or replace paddles with
other propulsion methods.

Inuit seal hunter in a kayak, armed with a harpoon

The kayak was invented and first used by the native Ainu, Aleut and Eskimo hunters in sub-Arctic
regions of northeastern Asia, North Americaand Greenland. In some parts of the world, such as
the United Kingdom, kayaks are referred to as canoes and vice versa. Inuit/Eskimo Kayaks are a type
of a generic class of boat of Canoe Shape. Continental European and British canoeing clubs and
associations of the 19th Century used craft similar to kayaks, but referred to them as canoes. This
explains the naming of the International and National Governing bodies of the sport of Canoeing.

Sport kayaker at Great Falls, Virginia

Kayaks are often used to get closer to marine animals, for example sea otters

Contents
 [hide]

1 History

2 Design principles

o 2.1 Length

o 2.2 Primary and secondary

stability

o 2.3 Beam profile

o 2.4 Hull surface profile

o 2.5 Rocker
 3 Modern design

4 Types

o 4.1 Recreational

o 4.2 Sea

 4.2.1 Sit-on-top

 4.2.2 Skin on frame

 4.2.3 Folding

o 4.3 Surf

 4.3.1 Waveskis

o 4.4 Whitewater

 4.4.1 Playboat

 4.4.2 Creekboat

o 4.5 Racing

 4.5.1 Canoe sprint

 4.5.2 Surf Ski

 4.5.3 Slalom

o 4.6 Specialty and hybrids

 4.6.1 Inflatable

 4.6.2 Pedal

 4.6.3 Multi-hull and

outrigger

o 4.7 Fishing

o 4.8 Standing-up paddling

o 4.9 Military
o 4.10 Wooden

5 Market

6 See also

7 References

8 External links

[edit]History

See also:  Kajukki

Two people in kayak, Nunivak, Alaska, photographed by Edward S. Curtis, 1930

Kayaks (Inuktitut: qajaq, Inuktitut syllabics: ᖃᔭᖅ) were originally developed by

indigenous Arctic people, who used the boats to hunt on inland lakes, rivers and coastal waters of
the Arctic Ocean, North Atlantic, Bering Sea and North Pacific oceans. These first kayaks were
constructed from stitched animal seal or other skins stretched over a wooden frame (made from
driftwood, since many of their habitats were treeless). Kayaks are at least 4,000 years old.[1] The
oldest existing kayaks are exhibited in the North America department of the State Museum of
Ethnology in Munich.[2]

Though the term "kayak" is now used for this class of boat, native people made many types of boat for
different purposes. The baidarka, developed by indigenous cultures in Alaska, was also made in
double or triple cockpit designs, for hunting and transporting passengers or goods. An umiak is a
large open sea canoe, ranging from 17 to 30 feet (5.2 to 9.1 m), made with seal skins and wood. It
was originally paddled with single-bladed paddles and typically had more than one paddler.

Native builders designed and built their boats employing their experience in combination with
knowledge orally–transmitted traditions. The word "kayak" means "man's boat" or "hunter's boat", and
native kayaks were a personal craft, each built by the man who used it (with assistance from his wife,
who sewed the skins) closely fitting his size for maximum maneuverability. A special skin
jacket, Tuilik, was then laced to the kayak, creating a waterproof seal. This enabled theeskimo roll to
become the preferred method of regaining posture after turning upside down (kayakers consider
"capsize" to refer to separation of paddler and vessel) especially as few Eskimos could swim; their
waters are too cold for a swimmer to survive for long.[3]

The modern version of a tuilik is a spraydeck made of waterproof synthetic material stretchy enough

to fit tightly around the cockpit rim and body of the kayaker, which can be released rapidly from the
cockpit to permit easy exit.

The builder used found materials to create a kayak measured to his own body. For example: the
length was typically three times the span of his outstretched arms. The width at the cockpit was the
width of the builder's hips plus two fists (and sometimes less). The typical depth was his fist plus the
outstretched thumb (hitch hiker). Thus typical dimensions were about 17 feet (5.2 m) long by 20–22
inches (51–56 cm) wide by 7 inches (18 cm) deep. This measurement system confounded early
European explorers who tried to duplicate the kayak because each kayak was a little different.

Traditional kayaks encompass three types of boat: Baidarkas, from the Alaskan & Aleutian seas, the

oldest design, whose rounded shape and numerous chines give them an almost Blimp-like
appearance; West Greenland kayaks, with fewer chines and a more angular shape, with gunwales
rising to a point at the bow and stern; and East Greenland kayaks that appear similar to the West
Greenland style, but often fit more snugly to the paddler and possess a steeper angle between
gunwale and stem which lend maneuverability.

Most of the Eskimo peoples from the Aleutian Islands eastward to Greenland relied on the kayak for
hunting a variety of prey — primarily seals, though whales and caribou were important in some areas.
Skin on frame kayaks are still being used for hunting by Inuit people in Greenland. In other parts of
the world homebuilders are continuing the tradition of skin on frame kayaks albeit with modern skins
of canvas or synthetic fabric.

Contemporary kayaks trace their origins primarily to the native boats of Alaska, northern Canada, and
Southwest Greenland. Wooden kayaks and fabric kayaks on wooden frames (such as the Klepper)
dominated the market up until the 1950s, when fiberglass boats were first
introduced. Rotomolded plastic kayaks first appeared in 1973. The development of plastic kayaks
arguably initiated the development of freestyle kayaking as we see it today, since plastic boats could
be made smaller, stronger and more resilient than those made of other materials.

This Greenland paddle is 7 feet (2.1 m) in length, and much narrower than European paddles.

[edit]Design principles
Kayak design is largely a matter of trade-offs :directional stability ("tracking") vs maneuverability;
stability vs speed; and primary vs secondary stability.

[edit]Length
As a general rule, a longer kayak is faster, but the higher potential speed is largely offset by increased
friction. Kayaks that are built to cover longer distances such as touring and sea kayaks are longer,
generally 6 to 19 feet (1.8 to 5.8 m). Whitewater kayaks, which generally depend upon river current for
their forward motion, are short, to maximize maneuverability. These kayaks rarely exceed 8 feet
(2.4 m) in length, and playboats may be only 5–6 feet (1.5–1.8 m) long. Recreational kayak designers
compromise between tracking and maneuverability, ranging from 9–14 feet (2.7–4.3 m).

[edit]Primary and secondary stability

Primary (sometimes calledinitial) stability describes how much a boat tips, or rocks back and forth
when displaced from level by water movement or paddler weight shifts. Secondary (final) stability
describes how readily a boat capsizes. Primary stability is often a big concern to a beginner, while
secondary stability matters more to experienced travelers who may frequent rougher waters. Primary
stability increases as the boat's volume moves away from the centerline. For
example, catamarans offer high primary stability and little secondary stability, given that their volume
is on either edge of the boat.

[edit]Beam profile
The shape of the hull's cross–section affects both manueverability and stability. Hull shapes are
categorized by roundness/flatness, whether it has a "V" shape at various points, and by the presence
and severity of a chine, where the side and bottom of a hull meet at an angle, creating an edge below
the gunwales. This cross–section may vary along the length of the boat. Kayaks with only moderate
primary, but excellent secondary stability are, in general, considered more seaworthy, especially in
challenging conditions.

A V-shaped hull tends to ease traveling straight (track), but makes turning harder. V-shaped hulls also
have the greatest secondary stability.

Conversely, flat-bottomed hulls are easy to turn, but harder to direct in a constant direction. They have
the greatest primary stability, and the least secondary stability.

The chine typically increases secondary stability by effectively widening the beam of the boat when it
heels (tips). Sea kayaks, designed for open water and rough conditions, are generally narrower 22–25
inches (56–63 cm) and have more secondary stability than recreational kayaks, which are wider 26–
30 inches (66–76 cm) have a flatter hull shape, and more primary stability.

[edit]Hull surface profile

Kayak hulls are categorized according to the shape from bow to stern

Common shapes include:

 Symmetrical: the widest part of the boat is halfway between bow and stern.
 Fish: the widest part is forward (in front) of the midpoint.
 Swedish: the widest part is aft (behind) midpoint.

[edit]Rocker

Length alone does not fully predict a kayak's maneuverability: a second design element is rocker, its
lengthwise curvature. A heavily rockered boat curves more, shortening its effective waterline. For
example, an 18-foot (5.5 m) kayak with no rocker is in the water from end to end. In contrast, the bow
and stern of a rockered boat are out of the water, shortening its lengthwise waterline to only 16 ft
(4.9 m). Rocker is generally most evident at the ends, and in moderation improves handling. Similarly,
although a rockered whitewater boat may only be a few feet shorter than a typical recreational kayak,
its waterline is far shorter and its maneuverability far greater.

[edit]Modern design
Modern kayaks differ greatly from native kayaks in every aspect—from initial conception through
design, manufacturing and usage. Modern kayaks are designed with CAD (Computer Aided Design)
software, often in combination with CAD customized for naval design, or in some cases for kayak
design. A free stitch and glue package is available.[4]

Modern kayaks serve diverse purposes, ranging from slow and easy touring on placid water, to racing
and complex maneuvering in fast-moving whitewater, to fishing and long-distance ocean excursions.
Modern materials and construction techniques make it possible to effectively serve these needs while
continuing to leverage the insights of the original Arctic inventors.

Kayaks are long—19 feet (5.8 m), short—6 feet (1.8 m), wide—36 inches (91 cm), or as narrow as the
paddler's hips. They may attach one or two stabilizing hulls (outriggers) , have twin hulls like
catamarans, inflate or fold. They move via paddles, pedals that turn propellers or underwater flippers,
under sail, or motor. They're made of wood/canvas, carbon
fiber, fiberglass, Kevlar, polyethylene,polyester, neoprene), polyvinyl
chloride, polyurethane and aluminum. They may sport rudders, fins, bulkheads, seats, eyelets, foot
braces and cargo hatches. They accommodate 1-3 or more paddlers/riders.

Fiberglass hulls are stiffer, lighter, and less readily scratched than plastic hulls, though they are more
prone to damage from impact. Most modern kayaks have steep V sections at the bow and stern, and
a shallow V amidships.

[edit]Types
Major Kayak Types
Modern kayaks have evolved into specialized types that may be broadly
Sea Kayak
categorized according to their application as sea
Whitewater kayak
kayaks, whitewater (or river) kayaks, surf kayaks, andracing kayaks, and
Recreational kayak
hybrids, broadly labeled recreational kayaks. The label "kayak" is often
Surf skis
misapplied to other small, human-powered vessels not descended from the Racing keyak
kayak tradition, including multi-hull or outrigger boats and those which elevate above the water on
hydrofoils.

[edit]Recreational
For more details on this topic, see  Recreational kayak.

Recreational kayaks are designed for the casual paddler interested in fishing, photography, or a

peaceful paddle on a lake or flatwater stream. They presently make up the largest segment of kayak
sales. Compared to other kayaks, recreational kayaks have a larger cockpit for easier entry and exit
and a wider beam (27–36 inches (69–91 cm) for more stability. They are generally less than 12 feet
(3.7 m) in length and have limited cargo capacity. Less expensive materials like polyethylene and
fewer options keep these boats inexpensive (USD 300–580). Most canoe/kayak clubs offer
introductory instruction in recreational boats. They do not perform as well in the sea. The recreational
kayak is usually a type of touring kayak.[5]

[edit]Sea
For more details on this topic, see  Sea kayak.

Kayaking in a double on Lake Union inSeattle, Washington, United States

Sea kayaks are typically designed for travel by one or two paddlers on open water and in many cases
trade maneuverability for seaworthiness, stability, and cargo capacity. Sea-kayak sub-types include
open-deck "sit-on-top" kayaks, recreational kayaks, and collapsible "skin-on-frame" boats.

The sea kayak, though descended directly from traditional types, is implemented in a variety of
materials. Sea kayaks typically have a longer waterline, and provisions for below-deck storage of
cargo. Sea kayaks may also have rudders or skegs (fixed rudder) and upturned bow or stern profiles
for wave shedding. Modern sea kayaks often have two or more internal bulkheads. Sea kayaks often
accommodate two or sometimes three paddlers.
[edit]Sit-on-top
A paddler in a sit on top kayak exploresKealakekua Bay in Hawaii.

Sealed-hull (unsinkable) craft were developed for leisure use, as derivatives of surfboards (e.g.
paddle or wave skis), or for surf conditions. Variants include planing surf craft, touring kayaks, and
sea marathon kayaks. Increasingly, manufacturers build leisure 'sit-on-top' variants of extreme sports
craft, typically using polyethylene to ensure strength and affordability[6], often with a skeg for
directional stability. Water that enters the cockpit drains out through scupperholes—tubes that run
from the cockpit to the bottom of the hull.

Recreational kayak

Sit-on-top kayaks come in 1-4 paddler configurations. Sit-on-top kayaks are particularly popular
for fishing andSCUBA diving, since participants need to easily enter and exit the water, change
seating positions, and access hatches and storage wells. Ordinarily the seat of a sit-on-top is slightly
above water level, so the center of gravity for the paddler is higher than in a traditional kayak. To
compensate for the higher center of gravity, sit-on-tops are often wider and slower than a traditional
kayak of the same length.
[edit]Skin on frame

An umbrella term, Skin on Frame boats are more traditional in design, materials, and construction.
They are often the lightest kayaks, and were traditionally made of driftwood pegged or lashed together
and stretched seal skin, as those were the most readily available materials in the Arctic regions.
Today, seal skin is usually replaced with canvas or nylon cloth covered with paint, neoprene, or
a hypalon rubber coating and the wood skeleton is replaced with aluminum.
[edit]Folding
For more details on this topic, see  Folding kayak.

A special type of skin-on-frame kayak is the folding kayak. It is the closest descendant of the original
Arctic kayak. A folder is a modern kayak with a collapsible frame, of wood, aluminum or plastic, or a
combination thereof, and a skin of water-resistant and durable fabric. Many types have integral
air sponsons inside the hull, increasing secondary stability and making the kayaks virtually
unsinkable.

Folders are known for durability, stability, and longevity. The Klepper Aerius I, a single–seater, has
also been used successfully for whitewater kayaking, due to its durability and excellent
maneuverability, often survives frequent use for more than 20 years.

[edit]Surf
For more details on this topic, see  Surf Kayaking.

Surf Kayaking competition, Tofino, British Columbia

Specialty surf boats typically have flat bottoms, and hard edges, similar to surf boards. The design of
a surf kayak promotes the use of an ocean surf wave (moving wave) as opposed to a river or feature
wave (moving water). They are typically made from rotomolded plastic, or fiberglass.

Surf kayaking comes in two main varieties, High Performance (HP) and International Class (IC). HP
boats tend to have a lot of nose rocker, little to no tail rocker, flat hulls, sharp rails and up to four fins
set up as either a three fin thruster or a quad fin. This enables them to move at high speed and
maneuver dynamically. IC boats have to be at least 3 meters (10 ft) long and until a recent rule
change had to have a convex hull; now flat and slightly concave hulls are also allowed, although fins
are not. Surfing on international boats tends to be smoother and more flowing, and they are thought of
as kayaking's long boarding. Surf boats come in a variety of materials ranging from tough but heavy
plastics to super light, super stiff but fragile foam–cored Kevlar. Surf kayaking has become popular in
traditional surfing locations, as well as new locations such as the Great Lakes.

Surf skis, are specialized narrow and long boats for racing, surfing breaking waves and surf-zone
rescues.
[edit]Waveskis
Main article:  Waveski
A variation on the closed cockpit surf kayak is called a waveski. Although the waveski offers dynamics
similar to a sit–on–top, its paddling technique and surfing performance and construction can be similar
to surfboard designs.

[edit]Whitewater

Whitewater kayak

For more details on this topic, see  Whitewater kayaking.

Plastic whitewater kayaks are rotomolded in a semi-rigid, high impact plastic, usually polyethylene.

Careful construction ensures that the boat remains structurally sound when subjected to fast-moving
water. The plastic hull allows these kayaks to bounce off rocks without leaking, although they scratch
and eventually wear through with enough use. Whitewater kayaks range from 4 to 10 feet (1.2 to
3.0 m) long. There are two main types of whitewater kayak: most experienced paddlers own one of
each.[citation needed]
[edit]Playboat
For more details on this topic, see  Playboat.

One type, the playboat, is short, with a scooped bow and blunt stern. These trade speed and stability
for high maneuverability. Their primary use is performing tricks in individual water features or short
stretches of river. In playboating or freestyle competition (also known as rodeo boating), kayakers
exploit the complex currents of rapids to execute a series of tricks, which are scored for skill and style.
[edit]Creekboat

The other primary type is the creek boat, which gets its name from its purpose: running narrow, low-
volume waterways. Creekboats are longer and have far more volume than playboats, which makes
them more stable, faster and higher-floating. Many paddlers use creekboats in "short boat" downriver
races, and they are often seen on large rivers where their extra stability and speed may be necessary
to get through rapids.

Between the creekboat and playboat extremes is a category called river–running kayaks. These

medium–sized boats are designed for rivers of moderate to high volume, and some, known as river
running playboats, are capable of basic playboating moves. They are typically owned by paddlers who
do not have enough whitewater involvement to warrant the purchase of more–specialized boats.
Squirt Boating involves paddling both on the surface of the river and underwater. Squirt boats must be
custom-fitted to the paddler to ensure comfort while maintaining the low interior volume necessary to
allow the paddler to submerge completely in the river.

Polyethylene has replaced fiberglass as a construction material for most types of kayaks. However,
squirt boat and racing kayaks still perform better in the fiberglass versions.[citation needed]

[edit]Racing

White water racers combine a fast, unstable lower hull portion with a flared upper hull portion to
combine flat water racing speed with extra stability in open water: they are not fitted with rudders and
have similar manoeuvrability to flat water racers. They usually require substantial skill to achieve
stability, due to extremely narrow hulls.

Whitewater racing kayaks, like all racing kayaks, are made to regulation lengths, usually of fibre
reinforced resin (usually epoxy or polyester reinforced with kevlar, glass fibre, carbon fibre, or some
combination). This form of construction is stiffer and has a harder skin than non-reinforced plastic
construction such as rotomoulded polyethylene: stiffer means faster, and harder means fewer
scratches and therefore also faster.
[edit]Canoe sprint

A typical racing K2 design, at the Canadian Masters Championships, 2005. Note the extremely narrow beam.

The three types of Canoe sprint kayaks (sometimes termed 'sprint boats') are K-1 (single paddler), K-
2 (two paddlers) and K-4 (four paddlers). A flatwater racing K1's maximum length governed by
the ICF is 17 feet (5.2 m). These boats are raced at the Olympic level by men and women over
courses of 200, 500 and 1000 meters. Women compete on 1000 meters since 1997. World
Championship events:
 distances: 200, 500, 1000
 boat units: men and women K-1, K-2, K-4; men canoe C-1, C-2, C-4 (women's C-1 and C-2
was exhibition-level at the 2009 world sprint championships). All units compete at all distances.
Each country can send one unit per event. This became mandatory as of the 1966
championships).

Olympic events (effective for 2012 Summer Olympics):

 distances: 200, 500, 1000

 events: men K-2 200, K-1/K-2/K-4 1000; women K-1 200, K-1/K-2/K-4 500, men canoe C-1/C-
2 200, C-1/C-2 1000 Each country can send one unit per event.

Flatwater racing kayaks are generally made out of extremely lightweight composites such

as Kevlar, carbon fiber, or fiberglass. They are not intended for anything other than flat water. They
are narrow, extremely unstable, and expensive. A competitive K1 or K2 runs in the USD–4,000 range.
They require expertise to paddle well, but are fast in the hands of proficient users. The beam of a
flatwater boat is typically barely wider than the hips of its paddlers, allowing for a long and narrow
shape to reduce drag.

Due to their length (a K-1 is 5.2 meters (17 ft) and a K-2 is 6.2 meters (20 ft) long) sprint boats come
equipped with a rudder to help with turning. The rudder is controlled by the feet of the paddler (the
foremost paddler in multi–person designs). In spite of this, these boats have a fairly large turning
radius.

Canoe sprint kayaks are closely related to sprint canoes, with both styles of boat usually at the same
club or with the same team, although it is rare for paddlers to compete in both.

Downriver white water racers use a combination hull with a fast but unstable lower section similar to a
flat water racer's hull, which flares into a wider section higher up, similar to a slalom hull, providing
stability in big water.
[edit]Surf Ski
For more details on this topic, see  Surf skis.

Surf Ski kayaks, Alexandra Heads Surf Life Saving Club Queensland

A specialized variant of flatwater racing kayak called a Surf Ski has an open cockpit and can be up to
21 feet (6.4 m) long but only 18 inches (46 cm) wide, requiring expert balance and paddling skill. Surf
Skis were originally created for surf and are still used in races in New Zealand, Australia, and South
Africa. They have become popular in the United States for ocean races, lake races and even
downriver races.
[edit]Slalom

{{details|Slalom canoeing]] Slalom kayaks are flat–hulled, and—since the early 1970s—feature low
profile decks. They are highly maneuverable, and stable but not fast in a straight line.

[edit]Specialty and hybrids

The term "kayak" increasingly applies to craft that look little like traditional kayaks.
[edit]Inflatable

Inflatables, also known as the ducky, can usually be transported by hand using a carry bag. They are
made of hypalon (a kind of neoprene), pvc, or polyurethane coated cloth. They can be inflated with
foot, hand or electric pumps. Multiple compartments in all but the least expensive increase safety.
They generally use low pressure air, almost always below 3 psi.

Until recently, inflatables were non-rigid, essentially pointed rafts, and best suited for use on rivers
and calm water. However, recently some manufacturers have added an internal frame ((folding-style)
to a multi-section inflatable sit-on-top to produce a seaworthy boat.

Besides being portable, inflatable kayaks generally are stable, have a small turning radius and are
easy to master, but they take more effort to paddle and are slower than traditional kayaks.
[edit]Pedal

A kayak with pedals allows the kayaker to propel the vessel with a propeller or underwater "flippers"
rather than with a paddle. This allows the kayaker to keep hands free for steering, fishing and other
activities.
[edit]Multi-hull and outrigger
Sit-on-top kayak rigged for fishing

Traditional multi-hull vessels such as catamarans and outrigger canoes benefit from increased lateral
stability without sacrificing speed, but these advantages cannot be successfully applied in all multi–
hull kayaks. Outrigger kayaks attach one or two smaller hulls to the main hull to enhance stability,
especially for fishing, touring and kayak sailing.

Twin–hull sit–on–top and sit–in kayaks have been on the market for many years. Inflatables are
popular in whitewater and fishing applications.

[edit]Fishing
Main article:  Kayak fishing

While native people of the Arctic regions hunted rather than fished from kayaks, in recent years kayak
sport fishing has become popular in both fresh and salt water, especially in warmer regions. Fishing
kayaks are characterized by wide beams of up to 36 inches (91 cm) that increase lateral stability.
Some are equipped with outriggers that are stable enough for paddling and fishing while standing.
These kayaks are inexpensive and have few maintenance costs. Many kayak dealers have started
customizing kayaks for fishing.[citation needed]

[edit]Standing-up paddling
While paddling in the standing position has been practiced for centuries in canoes
(including Umiaks, Pirogues, and native dugout canoes) recently kayakers have begun paddling while
standing up. This is called striding, and involves paddling wide, inflatable kayaks down fast rivers
while strapping both ankles to the kayak—similar to snow sports.

[edit]Military

Kayaks were adapted for military use in the Second World War. Used mainly by British
Commando and Special Forces, principally the Combined Operations Pilotage Parties (COPPs),
the Special Boat Service (SBS, at that time an Army unit) and the Royal Marines Boom Patrol
Detachment.

The latter made perhaps the best known use of them in the Operation Frankton raid
on Bordeaux harbor.[7]

Following the war the SBS was reformed as a Royal Marines unit and the Klepper Aerius II folding
kayak became a staple of its training and operations.

[edit]Wooden

Kayaks made from thin wood sheathed in fiberglass have proven successful, especially as the price
of epoxy resin has decreased in recent years. Two main types are popular, especially for the home
builder: Stitch & Glue, and Strip-Built.

Stitch & Glue designs typically use modern, marine-grade plywood—quarter-inch 5 millimetres

(0.20 in) thick. After cutting out the required pieces of hull and deck (kits often have these pre-cut), a
series of small holes are drilled along the edges. Copper wire is then used to "stitch" the pieces
together through the holes. After the pieces are temporarily stitched together, they are glued
with epoxy and the seams reinforced with fiberglass. When the epoxy dries, the copper stitches are
removed. The entire boat is then covered in fiberglass for additional strength and waterproofing.
Construction is fairly straightforward, but because plywood does not bend to form curves, design
choices are limited. This is a good choice for the first-time kayak builder as the labor and skills
required (especially for kit versions) is considerably less than for strip-built boats.

Strip–-built designs are similar in shape to rigid fiberglass kayaks but are generally both lighter and
tougher. Like their fiberglass counterparts the shape and size of the boat determines performance and
optimal uses. The hull and deck are built with thin strips of lightweight wood,
often Cedar, Pine or Redwood. The strips are edge-glued together around a form, stapled or clamped
in place, and allowed to dry. Structural strength comes from a layer of fiberglass cloth and epoxy
resin, layered inside and outside the hull. Strip–built kayaks are sold commercially by a few
companies, priced USD 4,000 and up. An experienced woodworker can build one for about USD 400
in 200 hours, though the exact cost and time depend on the builder's skill, the materials and the size
and design. As a second kayak project, or for the serious builder with some woodworking expertise, a
strip–built boat can be an impressive piece of work. Kits with pre-cut and milled wood strips are
commercially available.

[edit]Market

Today almost all kayaks are commercial products intended for sale rather than for the builder's
personal use. Nearly one of every three kayaks sold today is a sit–on–top (SOT), which is basically
apaddleboard equipped with a seat.