Kayaking Benefits
A kayak a small, narrow watercraft which is typically
propelled by means of a double-bladed paddle. The word kayak originates
from the Greenlandic word qajaq.
The traditional kayak has a covered deck and one or more cockpits, each
seating one paddler. The cockpit is sometimes covered by a spray deck
that prevents the entry of water from waves or spray, differentiating
the craft from a canoe. The spray deck makes it possible for suitably
skilled kayakers to roll the kayak: that is, to capsize and right it
without it filling with water or ejecting the paddler.
The kayak was first used by the indigenous
Aleut, Inuit,
Yupik, and possibly
Ainu hunters in subarctic regions of the
world.
Health Benefits
- Improved cardiovascular fitness;
- Increased muscle strength, particularly in the back, arms, shoulders and chest, from moving the paddle;
- Increased torso and leg strength, as the strength to power a canoe or kayak comes mainly from rotating the torso and applying pressure with your legs; and,
- Reduced risk of wear-and-tear on joints and tissues, since paddling is a low impact activity.