Kayaking - Take the Plunge

Picture of someone taking a kayak trip down a river.

River Kayaking

Go for an adventure on the water this summer! Grab a paddle and learn about the sport of kayaking.

Kayaking - History

Kayaks have been around for more than 4,000 years. The boats were invented by the Inuit people of the Arctic, who used kayaks for hunting, fishing and transportation (the word kayak in Inuit means "hunter's boat"). The Inuit made the first kayaks out of driftwood they collected and seal skins. European explorers who traveled to the Arctic in the 19th century modified the design for recreational kayaking and most modern kayaks are now made of fiberglass, plastics and other man-made materials.

Kayaking - Getting Started

Kayaks are used for recreation on just about any body of water - lakes, rivers, oceans. If you'd like to learn how to kayak this summer, the best way to start is by taking a lesson. Kayaking is not only fun, it's also a great way to get some exercise. Many community centers, summer camps and outdoor stores offer kayaking lessons for kids at reasonable costs. You can also cut costs by organizing a bunch of your friends or family together and taking a group kayak lesson.

Kayaking - Amazing Feats and Records

In 2003, crazy kayaker Ed Lucero set a world record by kayaking over the 106-foot Alexandra Falls in Canada's Northwest Territories. He's totally insane - click here to check out Ed's plunge.

Paul Caffyn kayaked around the entire continent of Australia in 1982. This massive journey covered over 9,400 miles (15,000 km) - the longest kayak trip ever!

In 2004, Ian Adamson kayaked 263 miles up the Yukon River in 24 hours - setting a new world record.