A sea kayak or touring kayak is a type of boat used for paddling on open waters such as lakes, bays, and oceans. These kayaks are small boats that can handle rough sea conditions. They have a covered deck and can include a spray deck to keep water out. Sea kayaks are designed to move faster over long distances, carry more items, and are easier to steer straight for long trips compared to kayaks used in fast-moving water. They also provide more comfort for extended journeys.

Sea kayaks are used worldwide for trips lasting from a few hours to several weeks. They can hold one to three people along with camping supplies, food, water, and other equipment. Solo sea kayaks are typically 3.0 to 5.5 meters (10 to 18 feet) long, while two-person kayaks can be up to 8 meters (26 feet) long. The width of these kayaks ranges from 53 centimeters (21 inches) to 91 centimeters (36 inches).

The term "sea kayaking" may have been introduced in the 1981 book Sea Kayaking by John Dowd. He stated, "It wasn't called sea kayaking until my book came out; it was called kayak touring or sea canoeing or canoe touring, blue-water paddling, coastal paddling, all those things."

Origins

Modern sea kayaks came from the boats used by people in Alaska, northern Canada, and Southwest Greenland. Inuit hunters created a fast boat to hunt seals and walruses. The Aleut word for their kayak is Iqyak. Early versions had a wooden frame tied with sinew or baleen and covered with hides from sea lions or seals. Scientists have found proof that kayaks are at least 4000 years old. Wooden kayaks and fabric kayaks on wooden frames, like the Klepper, were common until the 1950s. Then, fiberglass boats were made. Rotomolded plastic kayaks first came out in 1984.

Design

Modern sea kayaks are made from many different materials, shapes, and sizes to fit different uses. In sea kayaking, most designs follow traditional styles, with the main difference being between rigid kayaks and folding kayaks. Folding kayaks are similar to older boats called skin-on-frame kayaks used by native people. Modern folding kayaks use wood like ash and birch or materials like aluminum for the frame, and replace the animal skin covering with synthetic waterproof fabric. Unlike rigid kayaks, folding kayaks can be taken apart and packed for transport. Many folding kayaks have inflatable sponsons that help the boat stay stable and prevent tipping. Recently, a type of inflatable folding kayak has been made, combining a small rigid frame with a tightly inflated skin to make the boat more rigid than just an inflatable boat.

In recent years, more sit-on-top kayaks have been made for use in the ocean.

Most rigid sea kayaks are based on the outside designs of traditional boats from places like Greenland. Modern materials like fiberglass, rotomolded plastic, and carbon fiber make these kayaks strong without needing an internal frame, though they are heavier. Modern skin-on-frame sea kayaks with nylon skins are a lightweight type of rigid sea kayak. Some recent design changes include:

• Recreational kayaks – shorter kayaks with wide beams and large cockpits for use in calm waters
• Sit-on-top kayaks – boats without enclosed cockpits but with the same hull shape as a kayak
• Inflatable kayaks with either a removable inner bladder covered by a tough outer skin or a single skin similar to those used in rigid inflatable boats (RIBs).

A new type of boat called a surf ski appeared in the 1960s. It is long and narrow, with low stability, and is used in surf and waves.

Most sea kayaks made for sale are between 3.7 and 7.3 meters (12 to 24 feet) long. Larger kayaks are often built for two people, sometimes three. The width of typical kayaks ranges from 46 to 81 centimeters (18 to 32 inches), though specialized boats like surf skis may be narrower. The length of a kayak affects how much it can carry and how straight it moves through water. Longer kayaks are easier to paddle straight but harder to turn. The width of a kayak affects how much it can carry, the size of the cockpit (and the paddler who uses it), and the boat’s stability.

Most rigid kayaks are now made from fiberglass, rotomolded polyethylene, thermoformed plastic, blow-molded polyethylene, or carbon-kevlar. Other materials include carbon fiber and foam core. Some kayaks are hand-built from plywood or wood strips covered with fiberglass. Skin-on-frame kayaks are built on wood or aluminum frames covered in canvas, dacron, or other fabrics, and may include inflatable tubes called sponsons.

Marine-grade plywood used today offers a strong weight-to-strength ratio for building kayaks. Inflatable kayaks may be made from cheaper materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with a nylon outer layer to resist wear, or more expensive single-skin designs made from hypalon, which is tough and dries quickly after use.

Kayaks have many different designs for the bow, stern, and deck. Some have upturned bows that help when paddling into waves and reduce water splashing. Others use extra buoyancy in the bow for the same purpose. Kayaks with open stern decks can help with self-rescue. Waterproof bulkheads in modern kayaks provide extra floatation if the boat capsizes.

Sea kayak decks usually have one or more hatches for accessing storage inside. They also have points for attaching deck lines, which help with self-rescue and holding equipment or luggage.

Cockpits can be large or small. A large keyhole cockpit offers good contact between the paddler and boat while allowing easier entry.

Sea kayaks have many hull designs that change how they perform. Shorter boats are easier to maneuver, while longer boats move straighter and faster. The width of the boat affects stability, speed, and how easily it can be turned. The curve from bow to stern (called the rocker) also influences how well the boat turns.

Many kayaks have steering tools or tracking aids like rudders or skegs. Rudders are usually attached at the stern and controlled by lines from foot pedals in the cockpit. They are often retractable for landing on beaches. Skegs are retractable blades that drop from a slot in the stern. Both help when paddling in strong winds or waves. Some skegs may help control the boat’s movement in different directions.

Paddles

Sea-kayak paddles and the ways they are used fall into three main categories.

Real sea kayaks, which are different from wider, more stable recreational kayaks, come in many designs. A single-person sea kayak can be between 4.3 and 6.1 meters (14 to 20 feet) long. A two-person kayak can be between 5.5 and 7.3 meters (18 to 24 feet) long. The width of a sea kayak, also called the beam, can range from 22 to 24 inches. Wider touring kayaks, which are 60 to 75 centimeters (24 to 30 inches) wide, are better for larger paddlers or smaller and average-sized paddlers who want more stability and easier movement. Narrower kayaks, which are 50 to 65 centimeters (20 to 26 inches) wide, are better for small to medium-sized paddlers who want more speed and less turning ability. The depth of a kayak, or the height from the bottom of the hull to the top of the deck, can range from 28 to 40 centimeters (11 to 16 inches).

Modern sea kayaks usually have a low rear deck that makes it easier to roll the kayak. They also have a cockpit designed for rough water, storage compartments that allow the paddler to reach inside while on the water, and a sloping rear wall that helps empty the kayak by lifting the front.

Safety

A sea kayak’s main safety feature is its paddler. Some kayakers believe a well-practiced self-righting move, like an Eskimo roll, is important for safe open-water kayaking. However, all experienced and well-trained kayakers practice bracing to stay upright in their kayak. Many inexperienced kayakers may stop practicing bracing after learning the Eskimo roll. In reality, needing to roll often means failing to brace properly. If a kayaker misses a brace in certain areas, such as near underwater obstacles, they could be in danger. Staying upright in surf zones, rocky surf zones (called rock gardens), and rivers is critical and can only be achieved through consistent and successful bracing.

There are several techniques for righting a kayak and re-entering it after a capsize or turtling. However, most paddlers prefer to kayak with others, as help is valuable if self-rescue attempts fail. Even if help is not enough to right the kayak, it is easier to climb back into a boat in open water if another boat and paddler are nearby, and the swamped boat has been emptied of water. Experienced paddlers sometimes kayak alone, and many long-distance trips have been completed by individuals.

A paddle float self-rescue device, which is usually made of foam or an inflatable bag, can be attached to a paddle. This allows the paddle to act as an outrigger while re-entering the kayak. If an inflatable paddle float is used, it should have two separate chambers for safety. If one chamber fails, the other can still work. Kayakers should practice with only one chamber inflated. In some places, like Canada, paddle floats are required safety equipment by the coast guard. Re-entering a kayak with a paddle float is a dependable method if practiced well, allowing paddlers to feel confident even without perfect rolling skills.

Sea kayakers often carry many safety items, such as compasses, towing lines, manual pumps, repair kits (including wet repair tape), flares, paddle leashes, spare paddles, and survival gear. They also carry food and a hot drink for non-emergency use. Some kayakers also bring GPS devices, maps, lights, radios, cell phones, and radar reflectors.

Forms of sea kayaking

Kayak sails were created by people who enjoy kayaking. These sails can help reduce or stop the need to paddle. Using a sail can allow kayakers to travel farther from shore and go on longer trips. Many recreational sea kayakers, people who go on long trips, and adventure racers use sails for touring.

Weekend trips that include overnight camping are common for recreational kayakers. Many people enjoy combining kayaking with watching wildlife. Modern sea kayaks are built to carry large amounts of gear. Some trips last two weeks or longer and take place in areas like the tropics and the Arctic. Expedition kayaks work best when they are loaded with weight, so adding extra weight may be needed on shorter trips.

Sea kayaks are closely related to surfboards and require skills from both surfing and kayaking. Many sea kayaks are made specifically for the sport of surf kayaking.

Sea kayaks have been used for a long time as a way to travel and reach fishing areas. Kayak fishing has become more popular because of special designs that make kayaks stable. This improvement also helps solve problems that come from sitting for long periods without being able to change positions. Kayaks made for fishing have features like special hatches, built-in rod holders, catch bags, and equipment mounts.

Many fishing techniques used in kayaks are the same as those used on other fishing boats. The differences are in how the equipment is set up, how it is attached to the kayak, and how activities are done on such a small boat. Modern kayaks can have tools like rod holders, electronic fish finders, and containers for live bait. Kayak anglers often fish for valuable bottom-dwelling fish like halibut and cod, as well as fish that swim near the surface, such as amberjacks, tuna, sailfish, wahoo, and even marlin.

Pioneering expeditions

• Some evidence suggests that Inuit people may have traveled by kayak across the Atlantic Ocean from Labrador or Greenland to Scotland as early as the 17th century. At least three kayaks from this time have been found in Scotland. One kayak, along with its equipment, is displayed in Aberdeen's Marischal Museum. It was discovered on a nearby shore with a person who was dying. Some believe the person was an Inuit who escaped from a European ship, was driven by a storm from Greenland, or came from a European source. Many think that Inuit and their kayaks may have inspired stories about the Celtic Finn-men or Selkie legends.

• Modern sea kayaking began with John MacGregor, an adventurer who designed the first sailing canoes and helped popularize canoeing as a sport in Europe and the United States. The boat he created, called the Rob Roy, was inspired by Northern American kayaks. Between 1866 and 1869, MacGregor wrote about his sea kayaking journeys in three books: A Thousand Miles in the Rob Roy Canoe (1866), The Rob Roy on the Baltic (1867), and The Rob Roy on the Jordan (1869).

• From 1874 to 1875, American explorer Nathaniel Holmes Bishop paddled 2,500 miles from Quebec to the Gulf of Mexico in a self-designed canoe similar to MacGregor's Rob Roy and the North American kayak. His journey was recorded in his book Voyage of the Paper Canoe (1878).

• In 1928, Franz Romer crossed the Atlantic Ocean alone in a kayak covered with fabric. His journey from the Canary Islands to Puerto Rico took 58 days, but he was lost in a hurricane while trying to reach New York.

• Oskar Speck, a German kayaker, traveled from Germany to Australia between 1932 and 1939. He paddled about 30,000 miles over seven years and four months.

• In 1934, Alastair Dunnett and James Adam kayaked from Glasgow to Skye, Scotland. Their journey was written about in the book Quest by Canoe: Glasgow to Skye (1950), later republished as It's Too Late in the Year (1969) and The Canoe Boys: From the Clyde Past the Cuillins (1995).

• J. Lewis Henderson kayaked along the Scottish coastline, as described in his book Kayak to Cape Wrath (1951).

• In 1956, Hannes Lindemann sailed an Aerius II kayak across the Atlantic from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean. His journey was recorded in the book Alone at Sea.

• In 1965, Anne and Hamish Gow made the first kayak trip from North Uist to St Kilda, Scotland. They filmed their journey, and the footage was shown at the Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival in 2011.

• In 1969, John Dowd kayaked from the South China Sea to Indonesia.

• In 1976, Derek Hutchinson became the first person to cross the North Sea in a kayak. After several failed attempts, he completed the journey in 31 hours. The kayak he used is now displayed at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall.

• In 1977, Nigel Foster and Geoff Hunter became the first people to circumnavigate Iceland. Foster wrote about their journey in Iceland by Kayak (2023).

• In 1977, Frank Goodman was the first to circumnavigate Cape Horn.

• In 1977/78, Paul Caffyn became the first person to circumnavigate the South Island of New Zealand. He wrote about it in Obscured by Waves.

• In 1978/79, Paul Caffyn became the first person to circumnavigate the North Island of New Zealand. He wrote about it in Cresting the Restless Waves.

• In 1978, Derek Hairon, Franco Ferrero, and John Bouteloup became the first people to circumnavigate Ireland.

• In 1979, Earle Bloomfield and John Brewster became the first people to circumnavigate Tasmania.

• In 1980, Paul Caffyn and Nigel Dennis became the first sea kayakers to circumnavigate Great Britain, traveling 3,500 km (2,200 mi) in 85 days.

• In 1980, Jim Breen, Gus Mathieson, Bill Turnbull, and Peter Wilson completed the first kayak circumnavigation of the Vesteralen and Lofoten Islands in Arctic Norway, including crossing the Maelstrom, the largest whirlpool in the world. A kayak and equipment from this journey are kept at the Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine.

• In 1981, Nigel Foster paddled alone across Hudson Strait from Baffin Island to northern Labrador. He wrote about this journey and a later return trip in On Polar Tides (2016).

• In 1981/82, Paul Caffyn became the first person to circumnavigate Australia, covering 15,160 km (9,420 mi). He wrote about it in The Dreamtime Voyage (1994).

• In 1982, Laurie Ford paddled solo (with a sail) across Bass Strait.

• In 1985, David Taylor and James Moore became the first people to circumnavigate the Faroe Islands.

• In 1985, Brian Wilson completed a solo trip around Scotland's main coastline, including the Hebrides, over four months. He wrote about it in Blazing Paddles (1989).

• In 1986, Earle Bloomfield, Larry Gray, Rob Casamento, and Graeme Joy paddled north across Bass Strait.

• Between April and September 1986, Bill Taylor, Richard Elliott, and Mick Wibrew completed the first kayak circumnavigation of both Britain and Ireland. Their journey is written about in Commitment and Open Crossings (1992) by Bill Taylor.

• In 1987, Ed Gillet paddled 2,200 miles from San Diego, California, to New Zealand in 60 days, 20 hours, and 50 minutes. He wrote about it in Crossing the Tasman Sea.

• In 1987,