The Interesting History of Kayaks and the
Sport of Kayaking
The first kayaks were created
thousands of years ago by arctic inhabitants
now known as the Intuits. These early indigenous
people, formerly known as Eskimos, inhabited
areas of Greenland, the northeastern point of
Russia, Alaska, and the uppermost regions of
Canada. Early Eskimos made kayak frames using
driftwood, and early kayaks were wrapped in
sealskins. Early kayaks were virtually unsinkable
with air-filled seal bladders. These early kayaks
were used during summer months primarily for
hunting and fishing. The word "kayak" literally
means "hunters' boat."
Early kayak design varied according
to the specific needs of inhabitants of particular
regions. For instance, early kayaks designed
by inhabitants surrounding the Bering Straight
created wider, shorter kayaks. This kayak design
provided a large area for storing game and supplies,
and it was more stable on rough water than the
longer more slender kayaks designed for speed
by the Aleuts. Kayaks were designed to remain
upright on rough waters, and the design of the
kayak enabled kayak users to right themselves
if turned over by rough frigid waters that would
otherwise prove deadly in an open craft.
Europeans eventually discovered
the versatility of the kayak, and kayaks once
designed with sealskins were designed by Europeans
with fabric covers. In 1905 a German inventor
named Hans Klepper eventually purchased a design
for a folding canvas kayak from a German student.
He called this kayak a "foldboat." Klepper began
selling this early version of the folding kayak,
and kayaks once used primarily for navigation
and hunts by indigenous people were now being
used for sport.
In 1936, kayak racing became a
part of the Olympic games in Berlin. Kayaks
were used in an event called "flatwater racing."
Kayak clubs began developing all over Europe,
and kayaks became more and more popular as time
went by.
The 1950's brought the development
of the fiberglass kayak, and a company known
as Valley Products began producing the first
fiberglass kayak. This fiberglass kayak was
known as "Anas Acuta." Valley Products went
on to design another kayak called the "Nordkapp."
This model could handle more cargo while remaining
tight and maneuverable. Just as early Eskimos
designed kayaks, modern kayak designers also
designed kayaks according to regional needs
and preferences.
Plastic kayaks were introduced
in the 1980's, and kayaks continue to become
lighter, sturdier, and more versatile. Now there
are several types of kayaks designed with various
materials suitable for a variety of sporting
events. Those who love the sport of kayaking
have more choices now than ever before.
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