Kayaking

Kayaking is just like canoeing but a kayak has a closed cockpit where a canoe has an open cockpit. However, there are some open cockpit sea kayaks.

When kayaking you would use a double bladed paddle and a single bladed paddle would be used when canoeing.

Lessons are needed to go kayaking. There are many safety moves and information that you need to know before you throw yourself down a white water river.

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There are two main types of kayaking, sea kayaking and white water kayaking.

Sea Kayaking   -   This is generally done on a surf ski (open cockpit kayak) but you can also get closed cockpit sea kayaks. These boats are long, narrow and lightweight, around 16ft to 21ft long and only 16" to 20" wide. These boats are extremely fast but are not very manouverable. These are very effective for punching through big surf.

The shorter kayaks are also use in the sea for performing tricks off of waves. Also known as playboating.

White Water Kayaking   -   These boats can vary a lot in size depending on the type of white water you are travelling on. They can be as short as 6ft but also as long as 12ft. The different types of white water activies are listed below:-

• River Running - Touring down rivers enjoying the scenery as well as experiencing small white water. Long or short boats are used.
• Creeking - This is normally mistaken for river running. It involves difficult rapids and only for the experienced kayaker. Short boats only for stability.
• Slalom - Appearing in the Olympic Games, slalom involves the racer navigating through 18 to 25 gates in the fastest time.
• Playboating - This is the freestyle type of kayaking. The rider perform jumps, flips, spins etc off of the whitewater or wave. Short, light boats are used.

Where to go, Cost and Equipment

Where

In the UK Wales seems to be the best place for white water so if you have got white water rafting or kayaking on your brain, head to Wales. To find the best routes for all types of Kayaking for the link.

www.canoekayak.co.uk/open/?page=routecards

Cost and Equipment

Sea Kayaks  -  For a good sea kayak they will set you back around £1000 and upwards.

White Water Kayaks and Playboats  -  These range from around the £500 mark up to £1200.

Check out second hand kayaks before you buy new as they are normally in good condition and are much more inexpensive than new ones!!

Sea Paddles  -  There many different types and prices for all the paddles, but you can pick one up for around £35. Think about the weight of the paddle when choosing. The lighter the better.

White Water Kayaks and Playboat Paddles  -  These are normally a bit more expensive then the sea paddles as they have to be stronger. You can pick one up for around the £45 mark. Again check the weight!

Helmets  -  Around £40

Spraydecks  -  Start at around £20. You need this or you will sink (not good!).

Buoyancy Aids  -  These are quite good in price considering the fact that they can save your life. Starting from around £40 these are a bargain.