Lesser-Known Facts about Kayaking

Kayaking is a sport beloved by many for its physically demanding workout and fun adventures out on the water. That’s not all there is to it though. In fact, kayaking has a very interesting and surprising history that many don’t know about. Take this opportunity to learn a few lesser-known facts about kayaking and gain a better understanding of what makes this activity great.

Kayaks have a rich cultural history

Kayaks aren’t as modern of an invention as some tend to think. The native peoples of Artic North America originally fashioned these boats out of animal skins and whale bones a few thousand years ago. With limited resources on land in this cold region, these people relied on the water to feed themselves. Inventing the kayak, or “hunter’s boat”, they set off to gather resources from local wildlife such as seals, caribou, and whales.

Kayak racing is in the Olympics

Kayaking athletes are excited to compete in many Olympic games to come. Officially recognized as an Olympic sport at the 1936 summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany, the white-water races brought a rush to the games that only canoeing could match. As such, the sport gained a larger following as the years went by, creating a fan base to rival some of the other competing fields.

Kayaks are often used in the military

During past wars, two-man kayaks—or kleppers—were used to insert or extract many U.S. marines, commandoes, and special force operatives. Their sleek and unimposing design often made them undetectable to enemies watching for larger ships. Keep in mind, however, that the models used by the military are different from those meant for recreational use. Some different traits include the ability to collapse it for portability or submerge it without becoming waterlogged.

For a kayaking adventure you won’t soon forget, reach out to Wild Louisiana Tours. Like the pioneers that used them before us, our kayak swamp tours take you out on the water to experience nature up close.