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Topic: Water transportation (Kayak) Name: Eaden Lim Grade : 7 Date:…
Topic: Water transportation (Kayak) Name: Eaden Lim Grade : 7 Date: 4/11/2026
Safety measures
A properly fitted Personal Flotation Device (life jacket) should be worn at all times while on the water.
Cold water can cause immediate shock; paddlers should wear wetsuits or drysuits if the water temperature is low, even on a warm day.
Uses and purposes
Used for leisurely paddling on lakes, slow-moving rivers, or exploring coastal shorelines.
Specially outfitted kayaks equipped with rod holders, bait wells, and GPS mounts for anglers to access shallow or remote waters.
• Used in Olympic disciplines like sprint racing and slalom, as well as extreme whitewater racing.
History and origin
The kayak was originally developed thousands of years ago by the indigenous Inuit, Aleut, and Yup'ik
The word "kayak" translates to "man’s boat" or "hunting boat."
• In the mid-19th century, Euro-Americans adopted the concept, transitioning the kayak from a vital survival tool into a popular recreational and competitive sport.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
Slices through water faster and with less effort than a canoe or raft.
Lightweight enough to be transported on a car roof or carried by one person.
Dasadvantages
Limited carrying capacity for gear compared to larger boats.
Can be physically demanding on the upper body and core over long distances.
Materials used
Originally constructed from a frame of driftwood or whalebone, tightly wrapped in stretched animal skins (such as seal or walrus hide) and sealed with whale fat.
The most common material for modern recreational kayaks; highly durable, impact-resistant, and affordable.
• Used for high-performance and touring kayaks; lightweight and fast, though more fragile and expensive.
• Used in elite racing or expedition kayaks; exceptionally lightweight and strong, but very costly.
• Heavy-duty fabrics used for portable, packable kayaks that can be deflated for easy transport.
physical features
Traditional and modern "sit-in" kayaks feature a covered deck that protects the lower body from water and cold.
Unlike a canoe paddle, a kayak paddle has blades on both ends, allowing the user to stroke alternately on each side.
The front (bow) and back (stern) are typically pointed to minimize water resistance.
How it works
The paddler uses a double-bladed paddle, dipping the blades alternately into the water on the left and right sides to push the water backward, driving the kayak forward.
• Because the paddler sits directly on or just above the bottom of the hull, the low center of gravity keeps the narrow vessel stable.
Direction is controlled by applying more power to one side of the stroke or by using the paddle as a rudder. Many modern kayaks also feature a foot-controlled mechanical rudder or a drop-down skeg (fin) to keep the boat straight in wind or currents.
