Kayaking 2

Alright, I'll continue where I left. Today I will explain the size and the choosing of a kayak. It is quite important and you'll need to find a kayak that suit to your size and weight. You can refer to the kayak's catalogue for more information. I can't give any more information about the kayak's catalogue because I, myself is not an expert. For stability of a kayak, a kayak that is long and wide, the level of stability is high. Kayak's stability is divided into 2, Initial/Primary Stability and Final/Secondary Stability. Initial/Primary Stability describes how much a boat tips, or rocks back and forth when displaced from level by water movement or paddler weight shifts. Final/Secondary Stability describes how readily a boat capsizes. Initial/Primary stability is often a big concern to a beginner, while Final/Secondary matters more to experienced travellers who may frequent rougher waters. Initial/Primary stability increases as the boat's volume moves away from the centreline. Another thing to consider is Rocker. What is Rocker? Rocker is the amount the ends of the hull are curved upward in relation to the centre of the hull. The degree of curvature in the hull from the bow to the stern along the keel line defines the amount of rocker in a kayak. Longer kayaks usually have more rocker to help support the weight of the paddler when the kayak is halfway between wave crests. This improves the ability to manoeuvre the kayak, especially in rough water. While more rocker increases manoeuvrability, it also reduces the amount of waterline in the water, creating a less efficient hull. A kayak with little or no rocker will track very well, but can be more difficult to manoeuvre. We carefully control rocker to deliver the right combination of manoeuvrability, speed and seaworthiness appropriate for each kayak's purpose. You can watch this video to determine kayak rocker shape.

There are 3 types of kayak that I learned from my 'super-cool-and-calm-in-any-situation' lecturer, Encik Zainal : Mandesta, Ottersport and Slalom.

Mandesta

• V shaped
• Fast
• Hard to control
• Suitable for tournament
• Suitable for rivers and lakes that are wide and large

Ottersport

• U shaped/flat bottom hull
• Very stable
• Receive a lot of water resistance
• Suitable for long distance/expedition
• Suitable for rivers, lakes and sea
• Suitable for recreational

Slalom

• O shaped
• Curved hull
• Easy to control
• Fast but easy to capsize
• Suitable for training and exhibition
• Suitable for rivers and lakes
• Suitable for recreational

For the next part of kayaking subject, I'll show the different types of life jacket and buoyancy aid.