What is a kayak? Eskimo and sport kayak. What is kayak and kayaking? History and evolution of the kayak What kayaks exist

Kayak

Eskimo (Inuit) fur seal hunter armed with a harpoon in a kayak

Eskimo kayak

Kayak or kayak- a type of rowing boat, single, double and even triple traditional boats of the Arctic peoples. Kayak - among the Eskimos, kayak - among the Aleuts. Traditionally it consisted of hides stretched over a frame of wood or bone. Modern kayak models are usually manufactured industrially, with the exception of prototypes and a small number of boats assembled by artisans.

A modern rafting kayak made of durable plastic can easily withstand impacts on rocks. The skirt is visible, covering the seat from water getting into the kayak.

a kayak is rowed using a two-bladed oar;
in a kayak the rower sits only on his buttocks, while in a canoe he can be positioned in any way, including on a special seat (in a sports canoe one rows while standing on one knee).

Modern kayaks are used in water tourism and, depending on the design, are intended for sailing on stormy rivers, lakes or seas. There are kayaks for rowing slalom, for water rodeo (freestyle), kayaks for water tourism, for expeditions, as well as for sailing across vast bodies of water (sea kayaks).

As a rule, the rower's seat is covered with a special apron (“skirt”), which prevents water from penetrating into the boat even during a capsize. This gives the rower the opportunity to perform an Eskimo roll (putting the boat on an even keel from an inverted state).

Some kayaks (the so-called sit-on-top kayak, which are not widespread in Russia) have neither a deck nor a skirt. Their unsinkability is ensured by the sealed hull on which the rower sits.

Sea kayak

Sea kayaking is not much inferior to whitewater kayaking (white water kayaking) in terms of extreme level. True, completely different goals are set here and other requirements are placed on kayaks. The first thing that sets a sea kayak apart from a cohort of others is its large size, as well as its pointed and raised bow and stern.

Sea kayaks are more elongated, making it easier to move in a straight line. They also have more space for transporting things.

This kayak structure is specially adapted to cut high sea waves and so that water does not flood the kayak cockpit every time. The main requirements for sea kayaks are the ability to fight waves, controllability and unsinkability.

A type of sea kayak can be called expedition kayaks, which are also called ocean kayaks. They are distinguished by large, spacious compartments that are hermetically sealed; the number of compartments can be up to four. Such kayaks are equipped with a steering oar, elastic nets to hold objects, a rope around the perimeter of the side, and there may also be a special place for installing a GPS receiver.

For travel in cold waters, kayaks are made of special heat-insulating materials to protect against hypothermia. All modern expedition kayaks have sealed chambers that are separate and completely insulated. This allows you to increase the buoyancy of the kayak and make it unsinkable in almost any conditions.

Use of the term

There are some peculiarities in the use of the borrowed term “kayak” in Russian. Sports and tourist boats for rowing on smooth water (which are not designed to perform Eskimo coups) are called “kayak” in Russian, while in English everything is designated by the word kayak. In addition, in Russian, the term “kayak” is traditionally used mainly for single-seater boats, although there are also double-seater kayaks.

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Difference between kayak, kayak and canoe (Russian)

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Synonyms:

See what “Kayak” is in other dictionaries:

Kayak- a type of rowing boat, a closed version of a canoe. Widely distributed among the peoples of the Arctic (Eskimos, Aleuts, etc.). Traditionally it consisted of hides stretched over a frame of wood or bone. There are two main differences between a kayak and a canoe: a kayak is rowed using... ... Encyclopedia of tourists

- [Eskim.] – a small leather covered boat with a two-finned oar among the Eskimos, Chukchi and Koryaks. Large dictionary of foreign words. Publishing house "IDDK", 2007. kayak yaka, m. (esq. kajak). The Eskimos and Aleuts have a fishing sea boat with a hull... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

A single-seater boat among the peoples of the North has a leather-covered frame with two, less often single-bladed oars... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

Noun, number of synonyms: 1 boat (122) ASIS Dictionary of Synonyms. V.N. Trishin. 2013… Synonym dictionary

A single-person boat propelled by an oar with two blades. Dictionary of business terms. Akademik.ru. 2001... Dictionary of business terms

KAYAK- a single-seater fishing boat among the peoples of the north-eastern coast of Siberia: a lattice frame made of wood and bone, covered with the skin of sea animals; the hole for the rower is tightened with a belt around his waist. Operated by two small oars... ... Ethnographic Dictionary

kayak- kayak, a single-seater fishing boat among the peoples of the north-eastern coast of Siberia: a lattice frame made of wood and bone, covered with the skin of sea animals; the hole for the rower is tightened with a belt around his waist. Operated by two small... ... Encyclopedia "Peoples and Religions of the World"

The name comes from the Eskimo languages: qajaq (ᖃᔭᖅ ), Qayaq(from qai- “covered”) and the Aleut language: Iqyax(igah). Traditionally it was made from the skins of walruses and seals, stretched over a frame of wood (fin) and bone, and in treeless areas - from whalebone (Eastern Eskimos). Fastening the frame and sewing it with a waterproof seam was done using sinews and whalebone. Used in inland waters and coastal waters of the Arctic Ocean, North Atlantic, Bering Sea and North Pacific Ocean.

Modern kayak models are usually manufactured industrially using modern materials and technologies.

a kayak is rowed using a two-bladed oar;
in a kayak the rower sits only on his buttocks, while in a canoe he can be positioned in any way, including on a special seat (in a sports canoe one rows while standing on one knee).

Modern kayaks are used in water tourism and are intended, depending on the design, for sailing on stormy rivers, lakes or seas. There are kayaks for rowing slalom, for water rodeo (freestyle), kayaks for water tourism, for expeditions, as well as for sailing across vast bodies of water (sea kayaks).

Some kayaks (the so-called sit-on-top kayak, which are not widespread in Russia) have neither a deck nor a skirt. Their unsinkability is ensured by the sealed hull on which the rower sits.

Sea kayak

Sea kayaking is not much inferior to kayaking on rough water in terms of extreme level. True, completely different goals are set here and other requirements are placed on kayaks. The first thing that distinguishes a sea kayak from a cohort of others is its large size, as well as its pointed and raised bow and stern.

Use of the term

There are some peculiarities in the use of the rather late borrowed term “kayak” in Russian. The term "kayak" is traditionally used mainly for single-person boats, although there are also two-person kayaks. Sports and tourist boats for rowing on smooth water (which are not designed to perform Eskimo coups) in Russian are called the word “kayak”, which previously came into Russian. In English, they are all denoted by one word. kayak. In the Kyrgyz and Kazakh languages the word kayik call any boat. In the Khanty language "kayek" means a big boat.

As you know (see post below) kayaks were invented long before our era. These were kayaks with the rower seated inside the kayak. Since then, a lot has changed and kayaks have become very diverse, but still the main features of the kayak have been preserved.

Classic kayaks are commonly called kayaks all over the world. "Sit-in"(from English - "sit inside").

Sit-in kayaks- These are traditional kayaks in which the paddler (rower) is located half inside the kayak hull, the kayakers feet are "hidden" under the deck of the kayak inside.

Depending on the design features of the hull and the materials from which the kayak is made, sit-in kayaks come in the following types:

Collapsible or frame kayaks- Actually, they are usually called " kayaks "Usually frame kayaks consist of a durable and lightweight metal or wooden frame and “skin” that is stretched over the frame. Today, the function of leather is performed by synthetic materials that are more durable and do not require such careful maintenance. The main purpose of frame kayaks is to and among their historical predecessors - the transportation of significant cargo over long distances.
An undeniable advantage of frame kayaks is the ability to compactly fold (assemble), store and transport them, but that seems to be where all the advantages end. In order to assemble a frame kayak and prepare it for launching, one person requires an average of 0.5 to 1 hour or more, depending on the experience of the kayaker and the model of kayak that is used. Another common problem for frame kayaks is ensuring the symmetry of the location of the bow and stern parts of the frame relative to the shell (skin), what matters here is how the skin of the kayak is sewn. The third problem with frame kayaks is their “non-versatility”: a frame kayak is not a craft for rough water, it is not durable enough - contact with stones is an emergency case of operation and often leads to damage to the shell, and in rough water it is impossible to avoid contact with stones. Frame kayaks are not sufficiently unsinkable - they do not have sealed chambers (compartments), as in modern plastic kayaks. They are not controllable enough due to the lack of body rigidity. The rather large dimensions and low, loose position of the rower do not allow the use of the body in controlling the frame kayak.

If they try to take measures against collisions with rocks - modifying the skin or adding foam, and to create an unsinkable effect they put containers (inflatable chambers, etc.), then almost nothing can be done against the “clumsiness” of a frame kayak. Large frame kayaks are not designed for sudden maneuvers. Their intended purpose is to move in calm or even still water along a relatively straight path.

Inflatable kayaks- To some extent they are similar in principle to inflatable boats, but they are narrower and longer. In general, the main disadvantage of some inflatable kayaks is that the kayak flexes at the point where the paddler sits under his own weight, which causes the bow and stern of the kayak to lift up. This problem can be especially pronounced in single-person kayaks, where the seat is located in the middle of the kayak. To avoid this effect, the kayak must be evenly loaded along its entire length. The obvious advantage of inflatable kayaks is their unsinkability, high load capacity, and compactness when deflated. Among the disadvantages is fragility - like any synthetic materials from which inflatable boats are made, they have a limited service life. Cutting or puncturing of kayak inner tubes is also possible. A little inconvenient may be the fact that inflatable kayaks do not have chambers for storing things; sometimes they can be replaced with pockets, but still they have much less space than in frame kayaks and non-folding kayaks. Models with a slightly widened bottom are also produced, but then such a kayak is not much different from a regular inflatable boat. Difficulties may arise when using inflatable kayaks in windy weather - an inflatable kayak is quite light and practically “lies on the water”, which leads to a large windage, so in windy weather it is extremely difficult to row an inflatable kayak against the wind, not to mention the direction of movement - it changes with the direction of wind gusts.

Fixed kayaks- small vessels, which differ from all previous types, first of all, by an almost completely closed hull. There is only a relatively small opening (cockpit) where the rower’s seat is located, and where the latter actually sits. Depending on the purpose of the kayak, the dimensions can vary significantly: from 2.5 m to 5 m or more in length and also from 45-48 cm to 70 cm or more in width.
Non-collapsible sit-in kayaks are made mainly from polymer materials, glass polymers, carbon, Kevlar, polyethylene, composite materials, polyester, etc. Today, non-collapsible kayaks are the undisputed leaders in the world of kayaking and they are the ones that come to mind first when you mention the word " kayak".

The advantages of non-dismountable kayaks (primarily plastic ones) are their durability and wear resistance. Modern polymer materials can withstand heavy loads during sudden impacts and collisions with stones, sharp cutting surfaces (shell shell, broken glass, etc.), which only leave scratches on the durable hull of the kayak.
Another advantage is the properties of the materials from which modern kayaks are made - this is, first of all, thermal insulation, as well as the so-called. “memory” - in case of strong sharp collisions, dents are possible on the hull of kayaks; to eliminate them, you just need to put the kayak in the sun and the material will restore its shape - the dents will level out.
Another significant advantage of hull kayaks is the ability to use your entire body weight to steer the kayak. The relatively narrow cockpit of many kayak models and the rigid hull of the kayak make it possible to transfer the inertia and movement of the entire body to the body of the kayak, making it easier to control the roll, make turns, and in case of capsizing, carry out the so-called. "Eskimo coup" (eskimo roll)- that is, returning back to the previous position above the water using certain movements using an oar without leaving the kayak.

With the right choice of a kayak, it can be used in most waters without a significant reduction in performance characteristics, but in practice there is still a division where it is the nature of the water element that determines the main characteristics of the kayak. Therefore, the main thing you need to know before buying a kayak is the waters in which you will swim on it.

In short, sea and expedition kayaks can be used everywhere, with the exception of small rivers and whitewater due to their large sizes, which on average are 4-5 m, which almost eliminates the possibility of entering sharp turns and sharp drains or waterfalls. In turn, white water kayaks can be successfully used for riding sea waves, but they are somewhat inconvenient in calm water, with a short hull, which will be discussed a little further. There is also a category of kayaks that can be considered universal - these are medium in size, combining certain characteristics of both expedition sea kayaks and white water kayaks. Sometimes they are also called " hybrid kayaks" (hybrid kayak) However, you should always remember that you cannot expect 100% performance from such a kayak on rough water and on a long-term expedition by sea.

Kayak manufacturing technologies.

The undisputed leaders among all kayaks are polyethylene (plastic) kayaks, made from various types of polyethylene, mainly using seamless manufacturing technology - rotomolding ( Rotational Molding) - rotational molding of plastic products. Rotomolding technology is used to produce most kayaks that are presented on the Internet portal Pobeach-kayaks.com . Also, along with rotomolding, two other methods of making kayaks are used: high-pressure molding (so-called HTP technology) Prijon kayaks are produced using this technology) or gluing two sheets of plastic, which are first given the appropriate shape of the upper and lower parts of the kayak (this is how kayaks from the Canadian company Pelican and others are produced). Plastic kayaks owe their popularity, first of all, to their affordable price and durability of materials.

Along with this, today wooden kayaks are also made (mainly from thin strips of cedar wood), which can be real works of art.
The manufacturing process of such kayaks is quite lengthy; they can be inlaid with ornaments and, accordingly, cost much more than their usual plastic or polymer counterparts. Wooden kayaks are much lighter than their plastic counterparts of the same size, but they are less resistant to wear and mechanical damage, and sometimes drying out and cracks appear. Classic wooden kayaks are mainly manufactured in the USA and Canada. The average cost of these handmade kayaks ranges from $4,000-$8,000, while handmade kayaks from high-end brands can reach $22,000. They also sell kits of components (up to $1,500), from which anyone can assemble a kayak themselves.

The production of wooden kayaks has recently become possible in Ukraine. You can order a kayak made according to the patterns of the world-famous company Guillmont kayaks on the website www.pobeach-kayaks.com Moreover, the cost of such kayaks manufactured in Ukraine will range from $900 to $1,500, depending on the chosen model.

Depending on the purpose of the kayak and the waters in which kayaks are used, it is customary to distinguish the following main classes of kayaking:

Recreational kayaking- characterized by the use of wider kayaks of medium length, which are often second or even 3-seater, usually the 3rd seat is provided for a child. Recreational kayaks are distinguished primarily by their wide hull and large cockpit. Their main purpose is short active recreation on the water. A relative disadvantage is the poor linear controllability of some recreational kayaks; with insufficient dam technique skills, the kayak can “throw” to the sides (as if the kayak is swimming in a zigzag. To correct this “defect,” we recommend using a steering oar, which makes steering the kayak much easier. Advantages of recreational kayaks is their high stability on the water as well as a large and spacious cockpit, which provides freedom for the legs, the knees do not rest on the deck of the kayak, which is typical for sea and some small tourist (touring) kayaks. Recreational class kayaks are ideal for family recreation, they are roomy, often equipped with a sealed storage chamber, not too long and very stable on the water. They are mainly designed for short swims.

Tourist kayaking- or, as it is also called, “touring” kayaking, from the English. touring- which can be translated as “for travel”. Touring kayaks are the kayaks that can be used the most widely. They combine the stability and comfort of recreational kayaks with the linear controllability and speed of sea (expedition) kayaks. Touring kayaks in oThey are mainly designed for longer trips, one- or two-day swims, and are mainly equipped with one or two hermetic compartments for storing things, food and water. Such kayaks can additionally be equipped with a steering oar (rudder), which is controlled (turned) by the feet using pedals. Most modern touring kayaks have a comfortable soft adjustable seat with a high back, a body covered with an elastic mesh and a cord around the perimeter of the kayak, allowing you to grab onto the kayak in the event of a capsize when the kayaker is overboard. Touring kayaks are generally designed for one paddler only, although there are also models for two paddlers.

Extreme kayaking(whitewater) - Also known as whitewater. The main difference between whitewater kayaks is their short hull, averaging 2.5 m to 3.5 m, which may have a pointed bow and a cut-off stern. Such kayaks are designed primarily for passing mountain rivers and rapids of the highest difficulty.

When talking about extreme kayaking, the concept of river/water difficulty category is always used. Let's look at this in a little more detail.

There are six categories of white water. This question is controversial and has several options. To get a proper understanding of the complexity of the water, you need a complete description. It includes information about the nature of the rapids, the degree and uniformity of the slope, the number and quality of obstacles, viewing and belay capabilities, water temperature and the distance of the river from the population. Such a system is not particularly accurate and the river does not always fit into one category, in addition, there are individual differences in the perception of obstacles. Always add complexity in terms of safety on rivers with cold water and distance from populated areas.

Category II - for beginners
Straight rapids with a wide and clear main stream, clearly visible from the water. Maneuvering is required from time to time, but all the rocks and medium swells are easily navigated by trained paddlers. Injuries outside the boat are rare and group coordination during belaying is rarely required, although it is mandatory.

Category III - medium difficulty
Rapids with moderate irregular swells that are quite difficult to navigate and can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast currents and full control of the boat in narrow passages and at drains are often required. You can encounter high shafts and blockages with sloughs, but they are easily avoided, with powerful surges and jet disturbances, especially with high water flow. Viewing obstacles from shore is recommended for inexperienced groups. Injuries outside the kayak are rare and self-rescue is fairly easy, but group support is necessary to avoid prolonged swimming.

Category IV - advanced
Powerful, intense, but predictable rapids that require high precision kayak control in turbulent flow. Depending on the nature of the river, there may be large shafts and barrels that cannot be bypassed, as well as narrow passages that require precise and quick maneuvering under the influence of the current and its characteristics. It is often necessary to enter the waterways in order to begin a maneuver from them or to view the threshold further. Rapids may require a complex range of movements to navigate dangerous obstacles. Viewing from shore is essential. The risk of injury outside of a kayak ranges from moderate to high. Water conditions make independent rescue difficult. Group insurance is mandatory and requires trained skills. It is highly recommended to be able to perform an Eskimo coup consistently.

Category V - for experienced
Very long, challenging, powerful rapids that expose the paddler to above average danger. Plums can contain huge shafts and barrels that cannot be avoided. One drain follows another, changing the direction of flow, which requires a complex trajectory of movement. The catches are restless, turbulent and entry into them is difficult. Viewing from the shore is required, but is often complicated by terrain and distance. Rafting outside a boat is very dangerous and insurance is difficult even for experts. Survival requires reliable Eskimo roll skills, proper equipment, extensive experience, and trained belay and rescue skills.

Category VI - extreme
Such rivers represent the highest degree of extreme complexity, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are very serious, and rescue operations may be completely impossible. Intended only for groups of professionals, at a certain water level, only after careful study of the water and taking all safety measures. This category does not include waterfalls that are impassable in advance and under no circumstances, but may include waterfalls that are passable from time to time.
________________________________________ ________
* Information about water difficulty categories was taken from the website " White Water School".
We recommend that you carefully re-read the material presented on the specified resource. . http://wwsch.home.nov.ru/index.htm

Sea kayaking in terms of extreme level it is not much inferior to kayaking on white water (borewater kayaking. However, completely different goals and other requirements for kayaks are set here. The first thing that distinguishes a sea kayak from a cohort of others is its large size and pointed and raised up bow and stern. This structure The kayak is specially adapted to cut through high sea waves and so that water does not flood the kayak’s cockpit every time. The main requirements that are set for sea kayaks are its “ability” to fight waves, controllability and unsinkability.

A type of sea kayak can be called expedition kayaks, which are also called ocean kayaks. They are distinguished by large, spacious compartments that are hermetically sealed, sometimes their number can reach 4. Also, such kayaks are equipped with a steering oar, elastic nets for holding objects, a rope around the perimeter of the side of the kayak, and there may also be a special place for installing a GPS receiver.

For travel in cold waters, kayaks are made of special thermal insulating materials to protect against hypothermia. All modern expedition kayaks have sealed chambers that are separate and completely insulated. This allows you to increase the buoyancy of the kayak and make it unsinkable under any conditions.

Eskimo (Inuit) fur seal hunter armed with a harpoon in a kayak

Eskimo kayak

Kayak- a type of rowing one-, two- or three-seater traditional fishing boat of the peoples of the Arctic, the same as a fishing kayak. The name comes from the Eskimo languages: qajaq (ᖃᔭᖅ ), Qayaq(from qai- “covered”) and the Aleut language: Iqyax(igah). Traditionally it was made from the skins of walruses and seals, stretched over a frame of wood (fin) and bone, and in treeless areas - from whalebone (Eastern Eskimos). Fastening the frame and sewing it with a waterproof seam was done using sinews and whalebone. Used in inland waters and coastal waters of the Arctic Ocean, North Atlantic, Bering Sea and North Pacific Ocean.

Modern kayak models are usually manufactured industrially using modern materials and technologies.

A modern rafting kayak made of durable plastic can easily withstand impacts on rocks. The skirt is visible, covering the seat from water getting into the kayak.

Modern kayaks are used in water tourism and are intended, depending on the design, for sailing on stormy rivers, lakes or seas. There are kayaks for rowing slalom, for water rodeo (freestyle), kayaks for water tourism, for expeditions [ ], as well as for sailing across vast bodies of water (sea kayaks).

Some kayaks, so-called. sit-on-top kayak, have neither a deck nor a skirt. Their unsinkability is ensured by the sealed hull on which the rower sits.

Sea kayak [ | ]

Sea kayaking is not much inferior to kayaking on rough water in terms of extreme level. True, completely different goals are set here and other requirements are placed on kayaks. The first thing that distinguishes a sea kayak from a cohort of others is its large length (approximately 5 meters or more), as well as its pointed and raised bow and stern.

Sea kayaks are more elongated, making it easier to move in a straight line. They also have more space for transporting things.

This structure of the kayak is specially adapted to keep the course, including in rough conditions, without “burrowing” into the wave. The purpose of a sea kayak is to use it in the coastal zone in various weather conditions - waves, wind, surf, etc. Therefore, the main requirements for sea kayaks are the “ability” to fight waves, controllability and unsinkability.

A type of sea kayak can be called expedition kayaks, which are also called ocean kayaks. They are distinguished by large, spacious compartments that are hermetically sealed; the number of compartments can be up to four. Such kayaks can be equipped with a rudder, elastic strapping elements for securing various items on the deck (for example, a spare oar, a water bottle, cartographic materials, other camping equipment, etc.), and a railing around the perimeter of the side. The design of the kayak may provide a special place for installing a compass or GPS receiver.

All modern sea kayaks have sealed compartments used as storage space for cargo. The total capacity of such compartments can reach a significant value (100-200 liters), which allows you to move all the cargo necessary for multi-day autonomous expeditions. In addition, the presence of sealed compartments allows you to increase the buoyancy of the kayak and make it unsinkable in almost any conditions.

Some models of sea kayaks allow you to install outriggers on them.

Use of the term[ | ]

Links [ | ]

One of the most popular types of active recreation in Western countries. At different times of the year, thousands of Europeans leave their homes on weekends to paddle along the coastal strip of the sea, along picturesque steep banks or a beautiful flat river, admiring the surrounding nature. Some even dare to challenge the white water, rafting down the rapid mountain streams. Gradually kayaking is gaining popularity here too.
First in the world kayaks, now known as kayak, were created thousands of years ago by the indigenous Arctic inhabitants known as the Eskimos and Inuit, who inhabited Greenland, northeast Russia and Alaska. When making their kayaks, they used wood and whale bone, from which they made a frame, which they then covered with seal skins. To make the kayak unsinkable, the Eskimos filled the air cavities with skin bubbles filled with air. These were controlled kayaks, as now with the power of a two-bladed oar. These ancient kayaks were used during the summer months, mainly for hunting and fishing. The word "kayak" literally means "Boat of Hunters" in the Eskimo language. The Europeans eventually discovered the versatility of the kayak and in 1905, a German inventor named Hans Klepper made a folding version of the kayak, he called this kayak the “Fold boat”. Thus began the world's first sales of the first mass-produced folding kayak.
In 1936, kayak competitions became part of the Olympic Games in Berlin. Kayaking clubs began to appear all over Europe, and kayaks became more and more popular over time.
In the 1950s, kayaks were first made from fiberglass. For the first time such a kayak was manufactured by a company called “Valley”, which was called “Anas Acuta”. These kayaks have become even lighter, stronger and more maneuverable than their previous counterparts.
First plastic kayaks were produced in the 1980s and are still being produced today. These kayaks continue to become lighter, stronger, and more versatile. Currently, several types of kayaks have been developed for various sporting events. These kayaks have different hull shapes, lengths and widths. In turn, kayaking is divided into sea, river, and lake.

River kayaking in Crimea
Despite their large number, the rivers of Crimea are low-water. This is due to the arid climate and the low altitude of the mountains, which do not accumulate enough snow in winter. River or whitewater kayaking in Crimea is practically undeveloped and is seasonal. Rafting on mountain rivers possible in Crimea during spring floods from March to May. At this time, powerful snow melts in the mountains, and the water level in the rivers increases significantly. There are known cases of partial passage of the Chernaya, Belbek, and Kokozka rivers.

The most exotic, and most unpredictable, perhaps, is rafting along the Kokozka River in the upper reaches of the Grand Canyon, where rafting is possible only in conditions of a powerful flood.

In the section from the headwaters of the canyon to the Bath of Youth, there are sections of 4-5 difficulty categories, which are characterized by narrow pressures and high complex rapids. To overcome such sections, experience in passing rivers of at least 3rd - 4th category of difficulty is required.
Belbek is the deepest river in Crimea. There are isolated cases of complete passage of the river from the village of Sokolinoe to the mouth. Basically, R. Belbek is suitable for passage from the Orliny Zalet camp site, where there are rapids of the 2nd category of difficulty. From 1982 to 1992, the Sevastopol section of water tourism even held open competitions in rowing slalom on the river. Belbek and Chernaya.
R. Chernaya - in terms of full flow, it is slightly inferior to the Belbek River. At the moment, this is the most interesting river for rafting, and the Chernorechensky Canyon, through which the river of the same name flows, is not inferior in beauty to the Grand Canyon of Crimea. In the upper reaches, near the peak of Kizil-Kaya, the river has very difficult rapids, up to the 5th category of difficulty! Downstream, the winding river forms narrow pressures, plums, and rapids - waterfalls up to 5 meters high. The most interesting section to pass begins from the top of Kizil-Kaya to the village. Morozovka, in the lower reaches of the river. Below the village, the river has a calm flow.
At the mouth of the Chernaya River, in the village of Inkerman, at the place where the river flows into the Sevastopol Bay, there previously existed a base of all-Union significance for “smooth rowing” - (one of the Olympic disciplines), where hundreds of athletes from different cities and regions of Ukraine and the former CIS trained annually . Now, on the basis of the Inkerman sports base for smooth rowing, dozens of athletes are training, sports competitions in canoeing and kayaking are organized.

Sea kayaking in Crimea.
Sea kayaking or Seayaking has become more widespread in Crimea due to favorable conditions and the picturesque coastline of the Black Sea coast of Crimea. Sea kayak differs from the river one in keeled contours and a more elongated hull shape. Single sea kayaks range in length from a little over three meters to five or more meters. This kayak can easily overcome large waves and can withstand a small storm. It has high seaworthiness, which also depends on the skill of the rower. Sea kayaks or siyaks, as they are also called, depending on the shape and position of the rower, are divided into Sit-in (where the lower part of the rower is located inside the closed volume of the kayak body, which is called the cockpit. In this case, the lower part of the rower’s body is isolated from water by a special a waterproof apron that fits tightly around the upper part of the waist, and its edges are attached to the edges of the cockpit.) and Sit-on top (in this case, the rower sits in an open recess, and is not in any way isolated from water on the lower part of the body, since the entire lower part is located on the surface of the kayak, which is a waterproof plastic capsule)

Kayak sit-in:

Sit-in kayaks- ideal for long trips across the sea, ocean, Arctic and Antarctic waters, they have compartments for storing things and food. There are also known cases of crossing the Atlantic Ocean by kayak. This was first done by Franz Romer in 1928, and subsequently by Hannes Lindemann in 1956 and Peter Bray in 2001. For swimming on sit-in kayaks you need to take a special training course on self-rescue on water. When such a kayak capsizes, you must be able to rise to a vertical position with the help of an oar without leaving your seat; this method of self-rescue is called the “Eskimo coup.”

Sit-on top kayaks In most cases, they are more resistant to capsizing, and are well suited for summer family holidays on the water. In terms of speed characteristics, they are usually inferior to sit-in kayaks, but their versatility makes them more accessible to beginners and people of different age groups. These kayaks allow you to swim from them without touching the shore, are easy to transport, and are very stable due to the ratio of the width and length of the hull.

In Crimea sea kayaking interesting on the South-Eastern, Southern, South-Western and Western coasts of Crimea. The most interesting areas for siyaking are Cape Tarkhankut, the area from Cape Khersones to Cape Aya, Cape Meganom, New World, Karadag Biosphere Reserve, Kerch Peninsula, Cape Kazantip.

Tarkhankut - bizarre forms of weathered shores, narrow crevices, through grottoes through which you can swim. Pure water. Tarkhankut is a great place to combine kayaking and diving.

The section from Khersones to Cape Aya is perhaps the most interesting section of the coastline of the Crimean Peninsula for siyakinga. The varied topography of the coastline, from ten meters in height in the west to six hundred meters in the east, pleases with the abundance of numerous coves, grottoes and lost wild beaches, with a variety of flora and fauna. The rocks of the Southwestern coast of Sevastopol are composed of sedimentary rocks of the Jurassic period, and have a very diverse topography. There are a lot of above-water grottoes of different sizes. Most of them can be reached by kayak. Closer to Cape Fiolent, the country of volcania begins. Rocks up to two hundred meters high have a brown tint and consist of igneous rocks. Many millions of years ago, volcanic lava, escaping from the depths of the sea, froze in the bizarre images of fairy-tale characters. Amazingly shaped dark volcanic capes, reminiscent of gargoyles and chimeras of Gothic cathedrals, crash into emerald beaches. Above them are white limestone cliffs, pierced by the ringing greenery of pistachio trees. Perfectly clear crystal water and shaggy brown-yellow reefs below us. Like two guards guarding the peace of an ancient extinct volcano, the two sea cliffs-remnants of Orestes and Pilate are frozen in their images. Further, the shore rises into the sky, and the pinkish solid wall of the Karansky plateau opens before your eyes. Marble-like limestone slabs are cast, solid, noble. The reddish pink hue of the stone is reflected in the perfect surface of the water. Right behind Mount Kaya-Bashi - deep into the mainland, the tongue of the Balaklava Fjord cuts into the ground, and right behind it you can see the huge massif of Cape Aya, with its famous grottoes “Dragon’s Breath and Catherine’s. You can go to the Catherine Grotto by kayak. The massive rocky vault is illuminated by the rays of the sun reflected from the bottom. The play of light in the emerald abyss only slightly enlivens this kingdom of Hades.

Karadag is an ancient extinct volcano with a very interesting relief. Currently not accessible for kayaking as it is a biosphere reserve.

New World is a very beautiful place where kayaking is pleasant and interesting. If you're lucky, your traveling companions will be pods of dolphins, who happily frolic in the Royal Bay in search of fish.

Kayaking gives unimaginable ease from traveling across the sea. You can literally fly over the water, cutting through the endless blue surface of the sea, admiring the surrounding landscapes. Swim to the waterfall within arm's reach or explore sea grottoes and rocky reef islands, visit interesting or hard-to-reach corners of the coast, and wild beaches, combining this with snorkeling, diving or fishing. Kayaking, you can be left alone with the sea element, feeling all its strength and power.

	kayak in Wiktionary
	Kayak on Wikimedia Commons

What is a kayak? Eskimo and sport kayak. What is kayak and kayaking? History and evolution of the kayak What kayaks exist

Sea kayak

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Sea kayak

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