A kayak is, by definition, a covered canoe propelled with a double-bladed paddle. Kayaking is not only a wonderful way to experience nature and silence, but also gentle exercise for the whole body, legs included. A kayak holds enough gear for a week in the archipelago, yet weighs no more than one person can carry. Because it glides silently, you get much closer to the seabirds – and if you are lucky, the surface is soon broken by black, whiskered heads: young, curious seals wondering what you are up to.

Thinking of buying a kayak or canoe? Read our guides how to choose a kayak and canoe, kayak or Canadian canoe?

From sealskin to modern kayaks

The word kayak comes from the Inuit languages and is often translated as "man's boat". Kayaks were originally made of sealskin stretched over a frame of wood or whalebone. They were developed for hunting seals with a harpoon and were usually small and narrow – it is often said that the Inuit do not get into a kayak, they "put it on". The cockpit on traditional models is tiny, and Greenlanders never leave it when they capsize; instead they right themselves with the so-called roll, or Eskimo roll.

Kayaks were – and still are – used all around Greenland and elsewhere in the Arctic, varying a lot in shape and size from region to region. Modern sea kayaks trace their origins to the boats of the Disko Bay area on Greenland's west coast. That is largely a coincidence: when British manufacturers began modern production in the 1960s and 70s, the models they used happened to come from there.

The modern kayak

Today, kayaks are made as single or double kayaks in plastic, fibreglass or as inflatables, and sea kayaks often have a rudder or a skeg – a small fin under the stern, lowered with a lever beside the cockpit. A sea kayak has at least two large watertight hatches, which also act as buoyancy tanks so the kayak does not sink if you capsize. The cockpits, originally almost round, have become larger and longer – so-called keyhole cockpits – to make getting in and out easier. In other words, they have been adapted to Western paddlers, who are on average somewhat larger. So today you can enjoy paddling safely without having to master the roll.

• Sea kayaks – for touring and open water, with room for gear.
• Inflatable kayaks – easy to store at home and bring by car, train or plane.
• Double kayaks – for paddling together.
• Canoes and SUP boards – for calm water and other ways to explore.

Silent access to nature

Interest in paddling has grown enormously in recent years. More and more people are discovering the convenience and the silence: you can reach shallow waters where larger boats never go, or – if you are a little more adventurous – the outermost skerries far out at sea. A modern kayak does not carry as much as a canoe, but still much more than, say, a hiking backpack. You do not have to save weight in the same way as on a mountain hike, and can treat yourself to the little extras that add a touch of luxury to a week-long trip.

A couple of kayaks fit easily on an ordinary car roof rack – read how to transport a kayak on your car roof. That makes it easy to travel far and find your own favourite places. The Right of Public Access, countless lakes and rivers and a long coastline full of archipelagos make Sweden the perfect country to explore by kayak – see our guide to kayak touring in Sweden.

Safety first

Safety awareness is, of course, important. Inexperienced paddlers should do longer trips with experienced company or after a beginner's course. Despite the obvious risks out at sea, fatal accidents are statistically very rare. Beginner courses usually cover equipment and methods for assisted rescue and self-rescue with a paddle float – read more in our guide to kayak rescue techniques. Being able to swim, wearing a life jacket and using good judgement are a good place to start.

Questions about kayaks or paddling in general? Contact us at Northkayak – we are happy to help.