Kayaks, Tours, and Fishing

There is something other-worldly about watching a lone kayaker move silently through the water. They seem to glide effortlessly across nearly any watery surface; be it lake, river or the open sea. They evoke a sense of a noble past that few other forms of transportation can match.

At Woodenkayak.com, the kayak is our passion. From sea kayaking to river kayaking and everything in between, we love it all. Our site is designed to provide information primarily to the novice kayaker, but hopefully even seasoned veterans can find this site useful.

The first kayaks were sea kayaks. These first boats were developed by the native people of the arctic regions of North America and Asia, as well as Greenland. The term “kayak” means “hunter’s boat”, and that’s exactly what they were. The unique design of these crafts made hunting for seals on the open sea much easier to accomplish. Often using the inflated stomachs and bladders of seals to maintain buoyancy, these vessels were nearly impossible to sink.

While modern kayaks are essentially the same in basic design, there have been numerous innovations in materials over the years. Most of today’s versions are made from either plastic, or in the case of more expensive models, finely pieced together wood. Hunting and fishing kayaks are still manufactured, but there are numerous new designs as well, including pedal kayaks, folding kayaks, and inflatable kayaks.

Whitewater kayaks have had a major impact on the acceptance of kayaking as a sport, and not just a recreational or functional activity. Competitions all over the world bring throngs of avid kayakers together every year. It has even evolved into a popular Olympic event.

Wooden kayaks are not only functional, but they can be a work of art as well. These are often quite expensive due to the handmade nature of these vessels, but many enthusiasts find the boats to be well worth the price. A skilled craftsman can create a kayak with a sleek, well balanced design that can make open water travels nearly effortless. These kayaks are commonly used for use in the open sea due to their solid construction.

Besides the boat itself, there are several other pieces of kayaking gear that are necessary. First and foremost, no one should ever go out on the open water without a life vest. Proper clothing and shoes are also highly recommended. Kayak fishing gear is also common, especially among seasoned kayakers. And of course, unless you have a large enough vehicle, a kayak trailer can be quite helpful.

There are a great many companies that specialize in kayaking tours. These are often open sea tours, but river trips are also quite popular. For many people these trips are their first foray into the world of kayaking, and they find the presence of a well trained professional to be quite reassuring. Most experts will agree that if you’ve never been kayaking before, it is in your best interest to do so with a properly trained guide.

If you have any further questions, we recommend visiting our learning center for more detailed information on a number of aspects of kayaking.

 

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