Kayaking

1. Kayaking Albert Chen Period 4 Albert Chen Period 4

2. History • First used by Eskimos. • Archaeologists have found evidence indicating • kayaks to be at least 4000 years old. • The word kayak appears in literature spelled • different ways: kyak, kyack, kaiak, qajaq. • Wood and wood/fabric were common up until • 1950's when fiberglass was introduced. • This was followed by plastic in 1984. • The Chinook being the first of the rotomolded boats.

3. Geography • Native Kayakers were in the arctic of North America from the Aleutian Islands to the East coast of Greenland. • This included southern Siberia, the Bering Strait and Northern Canada. • Today, Kayaking is popular around the world, but particularly around oceans and rivers.

4. Relatives Canoe Kayak • - 1 Bladed Paddles • most commonly used. • Open Top • Usually carries more • than 1 person. • Has Benches to Sit. • - Used throughout the world. - 2 Bladed Paddles commonly used. • Often Closed Top • Can hold 1 or • more persons. • Kayakers sit on the • bottom of the kayak. • Originally Used in • the Artic regions.

5. Characteristics • Most Kayaks are made from wood, fiberglass, and plastic. • Most Kayaks hold 1 or 2 people. Kayaks range from 15 ft. to 20 ft. depending on the number of kayakers, skill level, and purpose of the kayak. Some have a closed top while others may have an open top to board easily.

6. Importance The boats primary purpose was to hunt animals on inland lakes, rivers and the sea. The shape of the kayak made it swift and maneuverable in the cold waters as well as stealthy. Making it an ideal hunting craft. The Kayak was also used for transportation across open water and rivers. • Today, kayaks are used for sport, adventure, fishing, recreation, and touring. • It is a cheap, efficient way to travel in the water.

7. Pictures

13. Bibliography • http://www.geocities.com/pittoale/history.html • http://www.genestpsychology.com/kayak/history.html • http://www.google.com