ONE of the fast growing water sports activities in the Philippines is kayaking. However, you don’t need to be engaged in the sport to enjoy kayaking as a recreation. Kayaking is easy, although many people have the notion that it is hard to enjoy. For those who are just about to have fun or be serious in this very interesting water activity, there are important things to know about kayaks and interesting accessories.

Before you get wet, remember some few things that will keep you safe on the water. Make sure you wear a life jacket that fits. Ensure your clothing is suitable for water activity.

Kayaks come in various shapes and materials. The common materials are fiber-reinforced plastic and polyethylene. Each type has its advantages. There are two types of kayaks—the sit-inside and the sit-on top. The sit-inside kayaks are the regular kayak you often see in rugged and highly active white water sports shown surfing with big waves. More often, this is considered as an extreme or specialist sport.

A sit-on-top kayak is an easy alternative to these regular kayaks—just hop on and off you go! Kayaking for these types of kayaks is done purely for pleasure and by ordinary folk. Whether you want to surf big waves or paddle quietly in an estuary, do some fishing, the sit-on-top kayaks are just perfect to suit everyone, all age-groups and of any ability!

One of the significant accessories of kayaking is the paddle. There are many different paddle styles so it is essential that you choose the paddle to suit your style. For white water kayaking, paddles should be shorter, stronger shafts, durable and larger blades to grip water for repeated acceleration/deceleration. Blades are generally symmetrical in shape. For sea kayak, touring paddles should have longer shafts, lighter materials, smaller blade sizes for efficiency and faster stroke rate, reducing drag and energy efficiency. Blades are generally asymmetrical in shape.

Some factors to consider when purchasing a paddle:

1. Boat width—the wider the kayak, the longer the paddle

2. Paddling style

2.1 High-angle paddling = POWER for white water, fitness, competition

2.2 Low-angle paddling = CRUISING for recreational, relaxation and touring

3. Paddle length

3.1 High angle

3.1.1 White water: 194 cm to 200 cm

3.1.2 Multi-sport/competition: 212 cm to 220 cm

3.2 Low angle

3.2.1 Sit-on-top kayak: 214 cm to 220 cm

3.2.2 Sea kayaks: 220 cm to 230 cm

3.2.3 Extra wide kayaks: up to 240 cm

4. Blade size and shape:

4.1 Dihedral blade: Designed to give direction to the flow of water off the blade to reduce drag and fatigue by providing powerful, smooth stroke.

4.2 Flat blade: A good choice for beginners and recreational paddlers. Flat blades provide easy stroking, but lack grip on the water that more advanced paddlers prefer.

4.3 Spoon-cupped blade: Generates a powerful stroke for increased speed and control. Recommended for more experienced paddlers.

4.4 Wing blade: Designed to generate lift, with a very cupped blade with hi-drag for increased speed like the airplane wing. Generates exceptional power and stroke efficiency in all applications.

In the Philippines, Inca Plastics has a rotomolding manufacturing facility to locally design and produce these plastic kayaks and paddles. Made from virgin, food grade and UV-stabilized Linear Low Density Polyethylene resin, Inca kayaks are extremely durable and will withstand the rough handling kayaks are made to undergo. It is interesting to note that locally produced Inca kayaks can still be repaired even when severely damaged.

Kayak enthusiasts can also have their own kayak designs be made by Inca Plastics since Inca is able to fabricate the appropriate aluminum mold to produce these kayaks in polyethylene plastic. You can visit Inca at http://www.inca.com.ph for contact numbers and details.