Kayak Knowledge

What is the primary material used to make kayaks?

• Wood (cedar)

• Plastic (polyethylene)

• Aluminum

• Fiberglass

What is the purpose of a spray skirt in kayaking?

• To provide extra buoyancy to the kayak

• To increase the speed of the kayak

• To create a watertight seal around the paddler's waist and the cockpit, preventing water from entering the kayak.

• To make the kayak more stable in rough waters

Name one famous river known for whitewater kayaking.

• Mississippi River

• Colorado River

• Amazon River

• Gauley River

What is the difference between a sit-on-top kayak and a sit-inside kayak?

• Sit-on-top kayaks are heavier than sit-inside kayaks.

• Sit-on-top kayaks have enclosed cockpits while sit-inside kayaks are open.

• Seating position: sit-on-top kayak has an open cockpit where the paddler sits on top, while a sit-inside kayak has the paddler sitting inside with legs under the deck.

• Sit-on-top kayaks are more stable than sit-inside kayaks.

What is the correct way to hold a kayak paddle?

• Hold the kayak paddle with both hands close together, blades parallel to the water.

• Hold the kayak paddle with both hands, shoulder-width apart, concave part facing you, blades perpendicular to the water.

• Hold the kayak paddle with one hand only, blade facing upwards.

• Hold the kayak paddle with the concave part facing away from you.

What safety equipment should you always have when kayaking?

• Whistle

• Personal flotation device (PFD) or life jacket

• Flippers

• Helmet

Explain the concept of edging in kayaking.

• Edging in kayaking is the technique of tilting the kayak on its edge to improve stability, maneuverability, and control in rough waters.

• Edging in kayaking is the technique of paddling backwards to improve control.

• Edging in kayaking is the technique of flipping the kayak upside down for better maneuverability.

• Edging in kayaking is the technique of standing up in the kayak to improve stability.

What is the role of a rudder on a kayak?

• A kayak rudder helps to keep the kayak balanced.

• The role of a rudder on a kayak is to provide shade.

• The rudder on a kayak is used for propulsion.

• The role of a rudder on a kayak is to assist in steering.

What is the difference between a recreational kayak and a touring kayak?

• Recreational kayaks are shorter, wider, and more stable, while touring kayaks are longer, narrower, and more streamlined.

• Recreational kayaks are made of lightweight materials, while touring kayaks are heavier and less maneuverable.

• Recreational kayaks are designed for long-distance paddling, while touring kayaks are better suited for short trips.

• Recreational kayaks are longer, narrower, and more streamlined, while touring kayaks are shorter, wider, and more stable.

What are some common types of kayaking strokes?

• zigzag stroke

• sideways stroke

• forward stroke, backward stroke, sweep stroke, draw stroke, brace stroke

• twist stroke