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Kayaking

Kayaking is a water sport that involves paddling using a double-bladed oar and a small boat known as a kayak. The boats come in a variety of sizes and types, depending on their intended use, but most kayaks feature an enclosed deck that covers the legs.

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Origin

North America

Type

Recreational, Sea, Whitewater, Racing

Venue

Rivers, Lakes, Oceans

Supreme Authority

International Canoe Federation

Summary

Kayaking sports involve paddling a kayak in various types of water conditions, from calm lakes to rapid rivers. The two main disciplines are whitewater and sea kayaking, which are differentiated by the type of kayak and paddle used, as well as the location and water conditions.

Kayaking sports require strength, endurance, and technique, making them highly competitive and physically demanding activities.

Key Types of Kayaking

Sprint Kayaking

  • Fast-Paced Racing: Held on calm, flat water. Athletes race over set distances, usually 200m, 500m, or 1000m. Kayaks are lightweight and built for speed.

Slalom Kayaking

  • Technical Navigation: Takes place on whitewater courses with gates that athletes must navigate. It requires precision and control while paddling through fast-moving water.

Marathon Kayaking

  • Endurance Racing: Long-distance races on lakes or rivers. Can range from a few kilometers to over 100 km.

Kayak Polo

  • Team Sport: A team sport played in a pool or calm water. Teams score by throwing a ball into the opposing team's goal.

Wildwater Kayaking

  • Downriver Racing: Athletes race down fast-moving rivers with challenging rapids. It tests both speed and skill in handling rough water.
Competitions
  • Kayaking sports are part of the Olympic Games, with events in both sprint and slalom disciplines.
  • There are also world championships organized by the International Canoe Federation (ICF) for various disciplines, including kayaking.
References

Wikipedia: Kayaking is a popular water sport that involves paddling using a double-bladed oar and a small boat known as a kayak. Kayaks come in a variety of sizes and types, depending on their intended use, but most kayaks feature an enclosed deck that covers the legs. The sport is intended to be enjoyed on water with variable degrees of roughness, ranging from calm, flat water suitable for beginners to raging rapids that can pose a serious challenge for even experienced paddlers. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kayaking

British Canoeing: The official governing body of kayaking in the UK. They organize events and provide training and support for kayakers at all levels. https://www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/

Kayaking image
Sports
Kayaking
Supreme Authority
International Canoe Federation
Type
Recreational
Sea
Whitewater
Racing
Venue
Rivers, Lakes, Oceans
Team members
-----------
Mixed-sex
Yes
Equipment
Kayak
Paddle
Life Jacket
Helmet
Spray Skirt

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