KAYAKING  
 

Originally developed by the Inuits, a kayak is a type of manually powered watercraft with a covered deck that is typically paddled with a double-bladed paddle as opposed to a single-bladed canoe paddle. The paddler sits in a hole called the cockpit which can be sealed with a spray skirt. This stops water splashing over the boat from entering it, and makes it possible that, should the kayak capsize, the kayak will not fill with water, and the paddler, with skill, can right the kayak again without taking on water. This maneuver is known as an eskimo roll. This is an extremely advanced manuever and unnecessary for novice paddlers to learn or be concerned with. Kayaks can be categorized into specialized types including Whitewater, Sit-on-top, Recereational, Light (or day) Touring, and Sea Kayaks. These types may also be subdivided by material and capacity. Kayaks are made predominately of plastic, fiberglass, or kevlar, and more currently hybrid plastics which manufacturers name such as Airalite or TCS. Some kayaks are also made with wood, canvas, and even skin boats. They come in one, two, and occasionally three person models. Specific to the Door County, WI area, Whitewater Kayaks are usually unsuitable for conditions as there is no whitewater in the county. However, these boats can be utilized to play in waves and surf by experienced paddlers. Sit-on-top Kayak An increasingly popular style of kayak is the Sit-on-top. Once specific only to temperate climates with warmer water, sit-on-tops are becoming more widespread throughout the country and world as companies like HOBIE CAT are creating kayaks that are easy to use, fun to paddle, and versatile. Sit-on-tops have an open deck and are sat upon, as opposed to being seated inside the boat like a canoe or customary kayak. While they are not good for windy, wet days, these boats are fun in the summer and are great for those paddlers interested in photography, fishing, or birding. Recreational Kayak A Recreational Kayak is very appropriate for beginners, families, and those paddlers not looking for long, extended trips and especially those paddlers looking to paddle in ideal conditions (i.e. little to no wind, flat water, and warm weather). A recreational kayak is usually from 9-13.5 feet. The cockpits are large and open and traditionally, no spray skirt is needed. Recreational boats are ideal for families and for beginners as they are classically the most stable type of kayak. These boats are not designed for long trips in open water; they are meant for short trips near shore, or in small lakes and slow rivers. Due to their short length, recreational kayaks are highly maneuverable, but lack somewhat in tracking capabilities. Light Touring Kayak A Light Touring Kayak is from 14-16 feet and is appropriate for those paddlers looking for a boat that has capabilities to go out in less than ideal conditions and use the kayak for day or short overnight expeditions. This boat is often called an entry level sea kayak. Here at Bay Shore, we use the Perception Carolina family as our Light Touring boat. It is appropriate to wear a sprayskirt in these boats. As stated, these boats are designed for longer day trips and have storage space in the hatches. Sea Kayak A Sea Kayak is developed for the open waters of lakes, bays, and the ocean. Sea kayaks have a covered deck and the ability to incorporate a sprayskirt. They are typically from 15-17 feet and will have smaller, snugger cockpits. Sea kayaks will often incorporate a rudder or skeg for easy of manueverability and tracking. These boats will also be much thinner than their shorter counterparts, making them faster and better trackers however, they trade off the extreme manueverability of recreational kayaks for cargo capacity, ease of straight-line paddling, and comfort for long journeys. Sea kayaks can also be tandems, carrying two paddlers together with room for camping gear, food, water, and other supplies. CLICK HERE to shop for kayaks and to see different models, prices, and types from Perception, Current Designs, Hobie Cat, Necky, and Wilderness Systems. CLICK HERE to see our paddling map of Door County. CLICK HERE to learn more about our kayak tours and to make a reservation.