ABOUT KAYAKING
History
The original Eskimo Kayak is composed of a frame made from whalebone and wood, with the skin of a sea lion spread over it. For many centuries the kayak was the sole means of transport for inhabitants of the north-pole area. In the modern era the kayak has become a racing craft and therefore the building technique has changed.
The person making the link between the Eskimo Kayak and the sport of kayaking was a 19th century English Lawyer called John McGregor.
McGregor made a study of the ancient kayaks and built his own kayak. He went out to sail on the rivers and lakes of the European countryside, and wrote a famous journal about his voyages.
Others followed in his footsteps and built crafts similar in nature to his, and he founded the “Royal Kayak Club. The first kayak race took place a year later in 1866.
Olympic kayaking
Olympic kayaking is divided into two:
1. Kayaking on flat water courses
2. Slalom paddling under white water conditions.
Non-Olympic kayaking
Non-Olympic kayaking includes extreme sports such as waterfall and mountain kayaking, sea kayaking and wave kayaking.
At the Daniel Centre kayaking is a popular activity, focusing mainly on sea- kayaking.
