The term "kayak" is associated with most people with an original national means of transportation on the water surface. This is true, but the technical principles of manufacturing the design of this boat today are spread around the world and partly unified. That is, to understand what a kayak is, you should first turn to the traditions of the peoples of the Arctic, but at the same time consider the modern kayak, in which the structural features of the boat are repeated.
What is a kayak?
Today, there are many versions and modifications of this tool, but they all fit the category of rowing boats. The tradition of manufacturing just such a design went from the Aleuts and Eskimos. In response to the question of what a kayak is, it is also important to note that it is single, double and triple. Models manufactured in an industrial way have finally laid down the principles for the manufacture of the base of the boat as a frame-blowing structure. The body of the kayak has a rather complex device, while depending on the modification, its parameters can be adjusted in accordance with the purpose. In the simplest versions, a kayak is a bypass structure with several arcs knitted with a base made of plastic, wood or other materials.
Eskimo kayak
This is a classic boat of the indigenous peoples of the Arctic, from which modern kayaks and kayaks originated. The photo above illustrates the traditional Eskimo boat. As materials for the manufacture of such products, the skin of seals and walruses are used, which subsequently fit the boat frames. The basis is the structure of wood or bones. Eastern Eskimos also use a whalebone to form a skeleton. All joints, fasteners and stitching areas are made from veins of marine animals.
If we consider the question of what is an Eskimo kayak from the point of view of functional application, then first of all we will talk about hunting and fishing. It is for these purposes that national boats in the Arctic were used and are today being used. However, outside the region, the kayak also has other destinations.
Sports kayak
Sports models with Eskimo unites only form and some structural elements. The differences are due to the nature of the application. Sports kayak is used in water tourism. With the help of such a tool, it is possible to perform rowing slalom, swim along stormy rivers, participate in water rodeos, etc. Accordingly, traditional methods of manufacturing a structure for such a boat are not suitable. Manufacturers use more durable materials for this purpose, such as polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride and carbon fiber. New technologies allow the boat to provide high strength, but without a significant increase in mass. As a result, optimum performance is achieved allowing safe use of kayaks. A photo with an example of such a model is presented below.
Inflatable models
Kayaks of this modification are the most modern, provide ease of use and are inexpensive. There are two types of such kayaks:
- Models with a two-layer design. In this case, the boat has a frame in the form of a dense shell of polyvinyl chloride and plug-in cylinders, thanks to which the boat was called the inflatable;
- Monobloc versions. Such an inflatable kayak does not have internal integrated cylinders. Their function is performed by the fabric of polyvinyl chloride, which contains the gas mixture.
Models of this category are also used in sports rafting, expeditions, for fishing purposes and a relaxing family holiday.
Differences from Kayaking and Canoeing
Although the kayak is often classified as a kayak, a strict classification does not allow this. In this case, the capacity of this boat should be considered. In the classical view, the kayak is double - this is the kayak, which, meanwhile, is made only industrially. That is, Eskimo boats can not be called kayaks. Differences with canoeing are more fundamental. Firstly, double-oars are not used on such a boat, which is typical for kayaks and kayaks. Secondly, there is a difference in the location of the rower. There are practically no rules regarding canoeing in a canoe - a person can sit on a seat or on his knees. In turn, the kayak suggests that the rower will be sitting on the buttocks.
Operational Features
Each time when using a kayak, the user must perform several operations, including dismantling and drying. And this is not to mention the need for repair procedures that may take place after the application of the boat. For example, an inflatable kayak may require correction of the position of the air tanks or restoration of the damaged area in the polyvinyl chloride fabric. But even in the case of using frame-blowing models, the user has no less. The main difficulties are connected precisely with the assembly process, but the regularity of repair in this case is no less than that of inflatable analogues. This is due precisely to the complexity of the design, violations of which are not uncommon - especially in hard operation.
Kayak oars
Although the main attention in the selection and assessment of the technical and operational capabilities of the boat is paid to its design, much depends on the oars. For kayaks, modern kayak models are used. One of the key selection criteria is the right and left handedness of the oar. Further, the shape of the blades is taken into account - there are symmetric and asymmetric versions. The first variety requires more strength from the rower, but costs less. The complex shape possessed by the asymmetric paddle for a kayak allows rowing longer and saves the user's energy. But such models are more expensive.
In order not to lose out in the technical subtleties when choosing this accessory, you should initially be guided by model lines designed for specific types of kayaking. For example, if a kayak will be used for trips without extreme sports, it can be recreational oars. For expeditions, it is worthwhile to prefer touring models, and sports modifications are suitable for rowing and slalom.
Conclusion
The unusual appearance of the kayak, its design features and functionality formed in the Arctic. This happened at a time when there were no technologically advanced materials like polyvinyl chloride and carbon fiber in the form of carbon. However, the question of what a kayak is today means a broader view of this boat. Suffice it to recall the variety of applications of a kayak - from fishing to sports slalom. Of course, it is precisely the tasks facing the boat that determine the technology of its manufacture. So, if earlier manufacturers improved the characteristics of a kayak only by introducing more practical and reliable materials, today the design of a kayak is changing. Ultimately, the boat acquires high rates of strength, durability, and also provides an appropriate level of safety for the rower. It is worth noting that along with the modernization of boats, the requirements for equipment are increasing both in terms of reliability, and in terms of its functionality and practicality.