The word kayak originates from the Greenlandic language, where it is the word for a type of small boat. In the Inuit language, kayak means man's boat or hunter's boat. Kayaks were originally developed by the indigenous people of Siberia and Alaska. The first kayaks were made from wood and covered with animal skins.
The skin-on-frame kayaks are still used today by many hunters and fishermen in parts of Alaska and Canada. These boats are light, easy to transport and extremely durable. Modern kayaks are made from a variety of materials, including fiberglass, Kevlar, plastic and even carbon fiber.
Kayaking is a popular recreational activity and there are many different types of kayaks available on the market today. Kayaks can be used for fishing, touring, whitewater paddling or racing. There is a kayak out there to suit every need.