Kayaks have been in use for several hundred years and are a very popular form of traveling on the water. They are well-suited for river cruising, canoing and kayaking, and can also be used inland on the lakes, rivers or ponds. Kayaks are also referred to as water-cars, boats or paddle-boats. kayak is actually an American company and as such metasearch engine and online travel agency owned and run by Booking Holdings, a California firm. They supply kayak equipment as well as travel advice.
Class 1 and 2 kayaks, which are built for recreational use, are much larger than those suitable for kayaking on lakes, rivers and ponds. They can be used to cruise on inland water, but there are additional charges applied. Class 3 kayaks are built for more serious kayaking. They are designed for people who intend to kayak in the ocean, along large rivers or streams. People taking part in kayaking activities need to carry certain equipment including life jackets, paddles and raincoats.
The three main types of kayak are the sit-on-top kayak, the straight (fifty-two) kayak and the freestyle kayak. The sit-on top is the simplest form and is often the first type of kayak that new kayak buyers encounter. The design is that of a flat cockpit, with a simple platform at the front end for boarding. The flat cockpit means that there is not as much room for equipment inside the kayak, such as a rudder. Paddles are necessary for white water rafting or other activities in which the kayak will have to stay in position.
The freestyle, or class one, kayaks are generally wider than the other two. It is suitable for white water rafting. For people who wish a kayak that will stand up to vigorous kayaking, or those who do a lot of kayaking but like to go alone, the class two kayak is a good choice. Class two kayaks usually carry as much equipment as can be carried by the kayak. They also tend to be longer and have more stable craft.
Rowing kayaks are similar to kayaks that are used for rowers and are available in a variety of styles. Some of them have paddles attached to the outside of the kayak. Others are towed by other boats and propelled via rudders. Most common of these is the type that can be towed behind another boat.
No matter what kind of kayak a person has chosen, it is important to take care of it properly. Kayaks can take a lot of abuse over their lifetime, from being hit by other boats to having items placed on them accidentally. Paddles and oars are essential to keep the kayak safe. Some people prefer to use specialist kayak equipment to bring their kayak to new destinations, such as river rapids. Specialized equipment is available for this purpose and is worth considering if you are serious about kayaking. It may be worth investing in this equipment, if you are planning on doing a lot of kayaking over a period of time.