I recently purchased a kayak. I had only kayaked twice in my life prior to my purchase. Once was on my great Lake Erie and once was in Rarotonga but it seemed like at this point in my life it was the right thing to do.

My kayak is designed for one person. It is not fast and is not meant to be raced through the white water; it is somewhat slow but stable. It is a short 8 foot sit on top kayak, often referred to as an ocean kayak and I love it. It has brought me a sense of peace and tranquility, a way to disconnect from our technology obsessed world.  When I am on my ‘yak I don’t carry my cell phone, so if you aren’t in yelling range you aren’t in my world.

It is lightweight so it is easy for me to carry and launch all by myself. It is fun to use for all ages, from kids to seniors! Plus I have found that it is also a great workout for my upper arms. Even when I am paddling slowly it works out the muscles in my arms.

The more I thought about my kayak the more I realized that kayaks, canoes or similar have been used by various cultures for years. They are a reliable source of transportation.

The Native Americans used a standard carved dugout canoe. The Polynesians use a canoe with outriggers attached for added stability. The Venetians use gondolas maneuvering those using poles instead of paddles.  And some cultures simply tie bamboo together as a raft and paddled or pole it along through the water.

It seems kayaking/canoeing though often considered a recreational sport is really nothing more than a on the water form of transportation. But it is so much more fun than driving my car! I am not sure if “‘yaking” is a new craze but it seems I see them everywhere and some types are hard to find for purchase!

Do you have a special ‘yaking experience? Let us know why we need to continue to spread the good word about kayaks.