Kayaking: An Education
Email This Post
Print This Post
It may surprise most people to know that the first form of kayaking was actually created thousands of years ago by the arctic Inuit people. The Inuit Tribe was certainly ahead of their time, designing this arrow-dynamic water craft as a means of hunting. Depending on region, the first kayaks could have variations on shape and length, but were generally consistent and used for the same purposes. The crafts were made framed with native woods and covered in animal skin. The most common animal skin used for these kayaks was sealskin.
The more modern and recreational use of kayaks (and canoes) was started by a man named John MacGregor from London in the 1800s. MacGregor took on the nickname Rob Roy and is credited with founding the English Royal Canoe Club in 1866 and making the sport of canoeing & kayaking a popular activity for the middle class. His initial interest in kayaking and canoeing began in 1858 when he ventured to Canada and the United States and was first introduced to the sport. Throughout the course of his life, MacGregor built more canoes/kayaks and sailed them throughout the Middle East, the Baltic and Europe. He also wrote and published books on the topic and was a renowned philanthropist.
By 1936, kayaking had become a part of the Olympics in the form of four new events. Athletes could participate in the single or pairs 1,000 meter race or the 10,000 meter event. More events were later added to the Olympics and it remains a popular and competitive race.
Materials used for making traditional kayaks have evolved since the Inuit Tribe first began using sealskin. After the Europeans adopted the sport, they began covering their kayaks in fabric while still utilizing a wooden frame. The use of fabric continued until the 1950’s: at this time kayak producers introduced the use of fiberglass which lasted well into the 1980’s when plastic came on the scene. Kayaks continue to use plastic and are much lighter and more versatile than kayaks in years past.
Today, many stunning locations exist to enjoy a thrilling or relaxing kayaking trip. Maui, Hawaii is one such location. With exquisite scenery and convenient location near your Maui Condo Rental, just a short walk to the ocean will start the kayaking trip of your dreams!
Hey, Thanks for stopping by! If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!