Life has become a roller coaster ride in this evolving and competitive environment. One needs to get involved in such activities that rejuvenate life and takes him away from stressful daily work routines. Spending time with friends and family and activities like Kayaking and Canoeing not only take us closer to nature but also provide us calmness and peacefulness. We will be discussing canoes and kayaks in this article.
Canoe Introduction
A Canoe is a small vessel that is pointed from both ends. It has a lightweight and it is propelled by the individual through a single-bladed pedal. The Canoes are extensively used in water sports as well as for camping and touring. Until the mid-1800s canoes were an eminent and important mode of travel. At that time canoes were built by digging wood frames. However, with development and innovation, new materials are being used to make. The material now being used Rangers from aluminum to molded plastics and fiberglass. This material is not only light in weight but also reliable and durable. A material Royalex is used in its construction. It is Ultraviolet resistant, it is more rigid and provides greater structural support
Types of Canoes
Recreational Canoes
The recreational canoes are the most widely used canoe type. They are also durable. They are composed of either plastic or aluminum. These canoes have no frills. They are so durable that they can be left outside the house without any worry. Their best benefit is that they are low cost and they are affordable
White Water Canoes
These canoes are used specifically for river paddling and in white waters. they are considered safer as they have higher sides that do not allow water to get in. Their bottom is Flat which improves maneuverability. Flotation bags are also attached to them so that they remain afloat and protect them from sinking. However, individuals have to kneel while rowing to keep their center of gravity lower in the boat
Racing Canoes
These Canoes are used in sports competitions and water sports. it has officially been an Olympic sport since 1924. These canoes are used by elite canoeists. As they are used in water sports and require speed so lighter material such as Kevlar is used in production. these canoes are narrower which gives them agility in the water
Kayak Introduction
A Kayak is a small water body that is narrower from both ends. Two bladed pedals are used to not only maneuver but also propel the Kayak. It is covered by water-resistant material that stop water from entering it. Advanced Kayak has electric motors, they have the capacity to onboard multiple people and they are more Resilient. There are two types of widely used kayaks one is the inflatable Kayak and the other one is the hard-shell kayak.
Read More: Fishing Kayak and Regular Kayak
Types of Kayak
Inflatable Kayak:
Inflatable kayaks are filled with air which provides them high buoyancy. synthetic rubber and polymers are used in their composition. These Kayaks are much lighter in weight. Their weight is around 25 pounds. The Kayak is filled with air which keeps it afloat on water
Due to the usage of air, the inflatable kayak has a greater weight threshold. Weight of an inflatable kayak may be around 25 lbs but it can accommodate and support the weight of around 500 pounds. This less weight of Kayak adds another benefit to its name I.e. it can be taken to water by an individual. Safety is one of the biggest concerns for those who go to water. Though the material used in the construction of Inflatable Kayak is reliable. It is not as dependable as other hard material Kayak like Hardshell kayak in rough waters. Another con of inflatable Kayak is that its maneuverability is not as good as other Kayaks.
Hard Shell Kayak
Hard-shell Kayaks are composed of wood, fiberglass, plastic, and other materials such as Kevlar. hard-shell kayaks employ hard material in its construction and this weighs more than an inflatable kayak. Its weight may be more than 50 pounds. The outer layer of hard-shell Kayak is covered by a colored gel coating that forms the surface layer of the Kayak. This not only provides protection but also enhances beauty. The fiberglass and plastic make a hard shell kayak more resilient.
Hard shell kayaks are considered to support better in rough waters. The material used has the ability to withstand strong water currents. Since safety is considered of utmost importance that is why it is preferred to use hard-shell kayaks. Rough waters also require greater maneuvering. Hard shell kayaks have greater maneuverability thus it has the ability to avoid sharp pointy rocks and makes it safer.
There are problems also with a hard-shell Kayak. Most prominent is that it is difficult to transport from one place to another. It occupied greater space as it cannot be folded. It obstructs movement through narrow passages. Another disadvantage of hard shell Kayak is that it is expensive as compared to inflatable Kayak is that it is expensive. Another important disadvantage is that it requires multiple people to carry it to water. This makes it less attractive to single individuals.
Conclusion
Nature is a source of harmony and peace. One needs to get closer to nature to get stress free from this swiftly evolving environment. Anxiety has seen to be increased and though, advancement has been made in all spheres of life. Human life has become more hectic due to increased competition and rapid changes. Getting closer to nature and having time with friends and family helps relieve tensions and stress. Thus kayaking and canoeing are very valuable means of recreation to enjoy nature and get stress free.
