History of Kayak

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 seal skins 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 "fold boat." 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 "flat water 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 fiber glass kayak, and a company known as Valley Products began producing the first fiber glass kayak. This fiber glass 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.

kayaking with my friends at SIU

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.

As you can see many changes have been made from the first kayaks. First of all most people do not make their own as they are usually purchased and are in most cases mass manufactured. There is also the actual materials that are used in the making of the kayak as well. In most cases animal skins are not used at all as these have been replaced with more durable man made materials. As well there are many more purposes and designs behind the kayak. Each design is now specialized to get more interest into specific markets as well as to boost sales of the many different styles.

So as times have progressed so have kayaks. They originally were a single purpose craft which has been turned into an extreme sport and leisure activity and any other type of water adventure that one can imagine in a man powered craft. Just like everything else as times change the kayak will as well. I am sure there is much we have left out here. Who knows, maybe you are out there making your own kayaking history right now! Ha ha....