Imagine you're in the middle of a big lake. The sun is about to set and the dusk glitters in the waves. You glide silently through the still water. The only thing you hear is the soft ripple of the paddle as you admire the orange illuminated mountains and shores at the edge of the lake. More and more people are enthusiastic about kayaking. We will show you why you should also follow this trend.
Together with the Canadian, the kayak is one of the main subgroups of the canoe. This is characterised above all by its elongated shape and the view in the direction of travel. Kayaks are ridden with a double paddle while sitting with the legs stretched forward. Canadians, on the other hand, use a kneeling position and a paddle with only one blade.
The kayak was originally used by the Eskimos as a fast and agile means of transport for hunting on the water. Precisely because of these characteristics, it has become one of the most popular sporting goods for water sports on rivers and lakes and has already found many followers. We have put together 5 reasons why the sport is guaranteed to suit you.
Depending on your preferences, you can choose from different variants, each of which is perfectly adapted to different current and driving conditions. Below we have listed the three most important ones.
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White water kayaks are perfectly adapted to the conditions in wild rivers. Due to the length of approx. 3 m and the wide, voluminous body, it is not so easy to capsize in such a model and it is easier to get out of rollers and returns. It is precisely because of this stability that beginners like to ride it.
Lake and hiking kayaks, on the other hand, are 4 - 5 m longer and narrower than the whitewater version. Since the risk of capsizing is significantly lower when driving on quiet rivers and lakes, this type of construction attaches more importance to reducing water resistance. This means that long distances can be covered with considerably less effort. The sea and hiking kayaks are especially suitable for quiet drivers who want to enjoy the surroundings.
Freestyle kayaks are the shortest with 1.80 to 2.60 meters and are mainly driven by professionals. Due to their outstanding manoeuvrability, shafts, rollers and returns can be easily passed through. This model is very unstable in the water and is not suitable for beginners.
Kayaking is mainly a training of arms and trunk, but also the legs have to work well in order to make optimal progress. It is an endurance sports device that demands the whole body. Particularly long journeys are very exhausting and consume a lot of energy. If you find it too exhausting, you can also take a break at any quiet place to relax. Most models have waterproof storage spaces where you can take provisions with you.
Many sports depend on accessible and drivable paths or a fixed route. Orientation and navigation require concentration and often distract from the surroundings. Kayaking, on the other hand, is guided by the course of the river or on open lakes where orientation is very easy. So you can enjoy the sight of nature undisturbed.
Kayaking takes you to places that others can't reach.
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Conventional models require a lot of space and are difficult to transport. Spontaneous trips on a trip are therefore associated with a lot of work, especially with several people. If this is too much effort for you, you can buy an inflatable variant as a flexible alternative. When empty, these do not take up much storage space in the car and are ready for use after a short inflation with an electric air pump.
The kayak is a summer sports device - at least that's what many people think. The cold air and the even colder water deter most paddlers. But it is actually possible to kayak all year round, even in winter. After some preparations you will be rewarded with breathtaking snowy landscapes, white-covered shores and a calming silence. These have to be shared only rarely because of the few drivers in winter.
In spite of the cold, an excursion is also worthwhile in winter
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The most important thing in the cold are the right clothes. The body loses lot of heat through the head. Therefore, headgear, such as a beanie, is highly recommended to avoid hypothermia and to keep the ears warm. The same applies to your hands: Having to hold the paddle with ice-cold fingers can quickly ruin a leisurely tour. Thick padded gloves are essential for a ride in winter. Of course, warm clothing is for upper body, legs and feet. This should best be layered, so that layers can be laid off and applied if necessary.
There is always a risk of capsizing. Since the cold water cools the body down quickly and makes swimming more difficult, a life jacket and a waterproof outer layer of clothing should be worn. Safety is also a top priority when kayaking.
Kayaking is one of the few water sports that is possible all year round. Whether on your own, with friends or family - as a strenuous sport in white water or quietly in the lake to observe nature - kayaks are fun for many people. Maybe you will also discover your passion in paddling!
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