Kayaking

A kayak is a small, relatively narrow, human powered boat primarily designed to be manually propelled by means of a double blade paddle. The traditional kayak has a covered deck and one or more cockpits, each seating one paddler. Their cockpit is sometimes covered by a spraydeck (or "skirt") that prevents the entry of water from waves or spray and makes it possible for highly skilled and specially trained kayakers, to roll the kayak: that is, to capsize and right it without it filling with water or ejecting the paddler. In modern kayaks, such recovery methods have been replaced by a preventive approach based on increasing the kayak's stability, and by that reducing the likelihood of its capsize.

Kayaking is the use of a kayak for moving across water. Kayaking and canoeing are also known as paddling. Kayaking is distinguished from canoeing by the sitting position of the paddler and the number of blades on the paddle.

Whitewater kayaking involves taking a kayak down rapids, weirs and waterfalls. Sea kayaking, also referred to as ocean kayaking or touring, involves taking kayaks out on to the ocean or other open water such as a lake. It can involve short paddles with a return to the starting point (or "put-in"), or expeditions covering many miles and days. Kayaking of all kinds has become more popular through the 1990's and early 21st century.

Kayaks are classified by their use. There are eight primary classifications: polo, slalom, whitewater, surf, touring/expedition, light touring/day tripping, sprint/racing and general recreation. From these primary classifications stem many sub-classes. For example, a fishing kayak is simply a general-recreation kayak outfitted with accessories that make it easier from which to fish. A creek kayak is a certain type of whitewater kayak, designed to handle narrow gully type rivers and falls. Also within these classifications are many levels of performance which further separate the individual models. In other words, not all touring kayaks handle the same.

Kayaks and canoes are also classified by their design and the materials from which they are made. Kayaks can have hard or soft chines which require different types of handling. Each design has its specific advantage, including performance, maneuverability, stability, and paddling style. Kayaks can be made of metal, fiberglass, wood, plastic, fabrics, and inflatable fabrics such as PVC or rubber. Each material also has its specific advantage, including strength, durability, portability, flexibility, resistance to UV, and storage requirements. For example, Wooden kayaks can be created from kits or built by hand, but they are heavy to transport. Inflatable kayaks, made from lightweight fabric, can be dried, deflated, and stored in a closet.

KAYAKING & CANOEING SITES IN INDIA:

The major Kayaking and canoeing sites in India include, the beaches of Goa, Karnataka and Kerala, where numerous beach resorts offer excellent quality Kayaks and canoes to the tourists. The resorts are also having qualified and expert instructors for those who are new to this sport. Some of popular places for Kayaking...

• Lake Paradise, Nanital
• Manasbal Lake, Srinagar
• Dal Lake, Srinagar
• Nagin Lake, Srinagar
• Dandeli, Karnataka
• Mumbai.

SAFETY TIPS:

You need to be professional if you want to enjoy the sport .This sport depends on the water level so be aware of unpredictable surprises of Indian Coastline.This sport is not just splashing some sea waves and getting into the water.Yo need a swimsuit and towel,a warm top, a bottle of water and sunglasses for your safety.