Most Essential Learning

Competencies:
•Displays initiative,
responsibility and
leadership in
recreational activities.

HOPE-4
ACQUATIC ACTIVITIES
 CANOEING AND KAYAKING
A great way to explore the rivers, lakes, canals, and other bodies of water is
through the use of a boat. Canoeing and kayaking are two floating crafts that may
take anyone to places in the water that are even difficult to access by any other
means.

What is the difference Kayaks and canoes?

Canoes and Kayaks may be confusing to some but it is really easy to

distinguish one from the other. Kayaking and canoeing both require a paddle for
propulsion and steering. The most noticeable difference is the structure of boats.
A kayak has covered deck, while a canoe is wide open. Kayakers extend legs and
are seated low or sometimes on the deck. It uses a double-bladed paddle. A
canoer, on one hand, sits on a raised seat or kneels on the bottom of the boat and
uses a single-bladed paddle.
Historically, there are some similarities and differenced in terms of kayak
and canoes’ function and in how they are built. In the early days, both boats were
constructed and used for the day-to-day economic needs, the canoe for
transporting goods and people and kayak for hunting marine life. The materials
used in the original boats also had the same source, that is, their most immediate
environment.
The word “canoe’ originated from the Carib word “kenu” which meant dugout.
Canoes were originally made from large tree trunks.The Trunks were dried for
months, and then the middle part was burned. After which , the burned part was
scraped away with shells The whole process took ”one moon” or 28 days. The
more well-known version of the canoe was introduced by North American Indians
where the frame was covered with the light weight bark of birch trees and
sometimes elm or cedar tress, whichever was more available to them. The Birch
tree was the better choice though because it was lightweight and smooth and
most importantly, it was resilient ands contained waterproofing qualities.
The oldest known canoe, Pesse Canoe, belived to be contructed between 8200
and 7600 B.C.
Kayaks or “qajak” meaning “man’s boat” or “hunter’s boat” originated from the
Inuit and Aleut tribes of Artic North America. Interestingly, the early kayaks were
very individualized as each kayak was crafted by the user, basing the
measurements to the frame of his body and not on any standard. Building the
kayak was also a joint effort of the man and his wife. The man builds the frame
from wood or from whalebone skeleton and it was the wife’s job to stitch the seal
skin used to cover the frame. Whale fats were used to waterproof the boat. To
improve buoyancy, the natives placed air-filled bladders of the seal in vessel
The oldest existing kayaks are exhibited in North America Department of State
Museum of Ethnology in Munich.

What are the basic parts of the kayak and canoe?

Canoes and Kayaks have feature that are common and uniques for each one.
The decking, thr hull shape, and the bottom are just few of the differences Let us
take a look at the parts of each boat:
Basic Parts of a Canoe:
1. Yoke – a beam in the center of a
canoe that allows the canoe to
rest on a person’s shoulder
when portaging.
2. Stern- rear end
3. Gunwale- acts as structural
support and it defines shape of
boat.
4. Thwart- crossbars reinforcing
the canoe and prevents side
from pulling apart under load.
5. Bow- front part.
6. Seat- for paddler at the bow part (if in tandem)
Basic Parts of a Kayak:
1. Deck- top half of the kayak.
2. Footbrace-found inside where
feet rest.
3. Hatch- Covering on the deck
where food and gears can be
stored.
4. Cockpit-Opening in the
kayak’s deck where with a
spray kit or waterproof kilt
that is placed around the
waist then slip over the
cockpit’s rim or coaming.
5. Hull- bottom half of the
kayak.

These illustrations are the basic parts of canoe and kayak. However, there are
variations for each boat. Differences lie in the length, the width or beam, the
bottom shape, and the sides or profile of the boats. Each design has its
advantages and disadvantages. In the end, the choice of boat is dependent on the
kind of activity one will do.

CHARACTERISTICS DESCRIPTIONS
Length Longer boats are faster and move on a straight
The distance from the tip of line. They also can carry more people.
the stern to tip of the bow However, these are not easy to maneuver.

Short boats are easier to maneuver and

comparatively lighter and easier to handle.
Longer boat are best when touring and
cruising the open water. A shorter kayak
would be a better choice for smaller lakes and
rivers.
Beam Generally, the wider the boat, the more stable
The width of the boat and is it is. However, a narrower kayak or canoe may
measured at the widest part of be faster but less stable.
the canoe or kayak.
A narrower kayak or canoe is more suitable
for those who want to travel a greater
distance since it has speed. A wider boat is
suitable for bird-watching, fishing, or
photography.
Bottom Shape The shape of the bottom has a lot to do with
the stability of the boat.
There are three basic bottom shapes: flat,
round, vee.
1. Flat- this design has good sability in
calm water. However , the
characteristics of this boat provide the
easy turning (boat spin) in rougher
water such as white water.
2. Round- this is designed for speed and
efficiency. One may feel a little shaky
shape will give the stability in most
water and it is actually easier to propel
through the water. The trade-off
however is balancing the boat in an
upright position.
3. Vee- this boat is in between the flat and
round bottom design boats, thus with
practice it comes with a good all-around
performance.
Profile or side of a boat 1. Tumblehome design – the sides of the
boat curve in ward as they come-up,
which the beam narrower on the
deck.This allows the paddler to reach
easily while at the same time has the
stability of a wider and cayak
2. Flared sides- the sides curves outward
(flares out) making the beam wider.
 Thus, as it goes deeper in the water
(cargo weight becomes heavier), the
beam becomes wider therefore giving a
more stable feeling.
3. Straight sides- is a little bit of the two.

How should one choose a paddle?

Paddles are the equipment used to maneuver the boat. Single-bladed paddles
are usually used for canoes and double-bladed paddles are for kayak. They are
placed in the water as one moves the boat.
Just like the boats, paddle also come in different kinds according to use.
Choosing what kinds according to use. Choosing what kind of paddle depends on
one’s physique, the size of the boat, and stroking preferences.
✓ Wider and taller kayaks need longer paddle.
✓ If a person has a small build, then a shorter, lighter paddle is best so as not
to overexert oneself. As a general rule the shortest paddle that allows you
to properly reach the water is the best.
✓ Another way of measuring canoe paddle is while in standing position. Hold
the grip or T-grip and see if it is in the level with your nose.
✓ Wider blades give you more acceleration but must also deal with more
resistance.
✓ Narrower blades use less effort per stroke but require more strokes.
✓ Curved blades increase power of each stroke.

What activities can be done when one

uses the kayaks or canoe?

There are varied activities where one cam use the canoe or kayak. It ranges from the
more relaxing paced activities like birds-wactching or fishing to the extremely challenging
activities on the white water rivers. Usually, boats are designed to fits the demands of the
intended environment and activity. The activity may be done in solo, dual, or a group.
Dependinf on what one would want to experience, here are some of padding activities that one
may choose from:

• Sea kayaking is done in open water such as the ocen or lake. Kayaks may be a sit-on-
top or decked design.
• Whitewater kayaking or canoeing is paddling down the whitewater rivers.A flat-
bottomed boat will help the boat spin on the water and take on the rapids for
practicing various maneuvers. The rounded bottom will iinvolve paddling downriver
from one point to a different point and usually a distance of several miles.
• Flatwater recreation is relaxing canoeing or kayaking where you can take a gentle
paddle down a calm river, ocean, or lake to do some sightseeing.
• Sailing is where the canoe or kayak is fitted with a sail.
• Surf kayaking is where the kayak is typically fitted with a fin, rather like a surfboard.
• Marathon racing is a lengthy race down a river using the kayaks or canoe.

How does one start the canoeing and kayaking kayaking adventures?

First, Learn How to Get In and Out of the Boat

For first timers, getting on a canoe or kayak on the water can be quite challenging. The boat may
rock and cause some tilting when entering the boat. Therefore, balance is important when entering the
boat.

Getting in a Kayak:

a. Entering from the dock

Make sure that paddle is within reach. Keep in mind that weight should be at the centerline,
Otherwise the kayak will tip. First, hold the back of the cockpit coaming and feet should be
planned near the centerline. Then, lift self, with the weight mainly supported by hand, and
move bottom to the cockpit.
b. Getting from the shore
Put the paddle right behind the cockpit coaming and the other end against a rock. Take a firm
hold from the back of the cockpit coaming with the paddle held between thumb and the
coaming, while the other hand is keeping the paddle fixed on the rock. Sit carefully over the
coaming, keeping the body weight on the feet. Lift one foot inside the cockpit. Remember to
keep the balance. Getting out of the kayak is done in the same way but in opposite order

Getting in a Canoe:

a. Entering from the shore (Tandem Canoe)

Put paddle in the end of the boat. Slide part of the boat in the water, and thenhold the boat so
it will not float away. The person should carefully walk down the center of the canoe, while
holding the gunwales. Position self then settle. Remember in entering the boat, keep the
center of gravity as low as possible to minimize the chances of flipping the boat over. The
second person then carefully puts one foot in the center of the canoe and pushes off the
 shore with the other foot while keeping hands on both sides of canoe. Then he/she lowers self
into the seat. Reverse the order when getting out.

b. Entering from the dock

While entering from the dock, the same is basically done. However, it will be the best to
keep the boat parallel or horizontal to the dock. Get in the boat one at the time , taking turns
in holding the boat steadily. Remember to always put the paddle in the end of the canoe
within reach. Reverse the order in getting out.

Second, Learn the Correct Posture

In Canoeing

The first thing to do is to relax, this way the muscles will not be too tight. While seated, lean just
slightly forward (around 5-8 degrees only) from the pelvis. The back should be straight without being
forced. Shoulder should be slightly ahead of hips, head, or neck. The legs should be slightly bent just
enough so that you cannot push legs straight without moving on the seat. Too much leaning forward
restricts lung capacity.

In Kayaking

Good posture is key if one wants to use the body efficiently. Do not lean on the backrest but just
sit straight and relax the shoulder, opening the chest for ease in breathing. Keep legs together and feet
against the footpegs. Adjust footpegs making sure that the knees cab bend slightly and spread and press
against the kayak for extra balance if necessary. Keeping legs together allows better torso rotation and
more efficient paddling.

LET’S DO THIS!!!
Activity 1: Difference Between Kayak and Canoe
Compare the two floating crafts: Kayak and Canoe. Think back of the unique feature of each one
and the similarities as well. You can also need to think of at least four categories to compare them. Two
for differences and two for similarities. Use the Venn diagram to write your answer.

Canoe Kayak
Category 1: ________________
Category 2: ________________
Category 3: ________________
Category 4: ________________
Activity 2: Inspiration Song in Canoeing and Kayaking

Search for a song, local or international. That was perhaps inspired by a canoeing or kayaking
experience. Write down the lyrics and record it in your phone. (Send it through messenger in our Group
Chat or just PM me.)