A Window on ... Canoeing About Canoes

	The Kayak The basic canoe used in the UK is known as a kayak. It is a small craft but there are some differences in size and shape between the various models. All kayaks have a hull or an underside and a deck covering the top. In the deck area there is a cockpit with a seat for the canoeist. Inside the canoe are fixed buoyancy blocks. These are located at both ends and are usually made from polyethylene or polystyrene. They are important because they keep the kayak afloat even if it fills up with water. If they are not evenly placed then the kayak will not sit level in the water. The buoyancy aids are necessary safety measures to protect the canoeist. A footrest is attached to the floor inside the cockpit. It can take the form of a fixed pedal, an adjustable pedal or a bar depending on the design of the canoe. There are end grabs at either end of the canoe made from rope or tape with a toggle attached. They help you locate the ends of the canoe if it overturns. When you are ready to start, you sit in the kayak facing forward and use a double bladed paddle to propel yourself through the water. Most people use a touring kayak at the beginning because it is designed for calm water. This type of kayak also has a larger, more open cockpit so it is easier to get in and out.
	A Sprint Kayak This is similar to the touring kayak except that it is longer and narrower making it the ideal shape for sprinting. It has a small rudder for easier steering. This is controlled by a tiller between your feet. It is not as stable as the touring kayak so it is only used by experienced canoeist.
	A Whitewater Kayak Whitewater kayaks are generally smaller and more stable than the other two. On some whitewater kayaks the cockpit is smaller and more enclosed. Those that have a larger opening to allow you to get in and out more easily have moulded grips in the cockpit to hold you steady and give you better control. Whitewater kayaks are designed to be used in rough water and they are built from a strong material. Even shorter kayaks known as 'bats' are used in the high mountain streams or for indoor training in swimming pools.
	The Canadian Canoe A Canadian canoe is much larger and heavier than a kayak and it can often seat more than one canoeist. The top is open, more in the style of a rowing boat and you can kneel or sit in the canoe to paddle through the water. For this type of canoe you use a paddle with a single blade.
	The Paddle The paddle is an important piece of canoeing equipment and is designed to propel you easily and effectively through the water. There is a central shaft and either one or two blades. The blades are curved. The concave surface is the driving or power face.
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Last modified on: Tuesday, July 1, 1997.