The Eskimo Kayak: History and Change

The Eskimo Kayak is the forefather of all current rigid and inflatable models. The original type of seagoing touring kayak of the Eskimos is more than 3,000 years old. The variations and improvements may include fiberglass or Kevlar, but at their root they are all kayaks invented by the Eskimos. Introduced to Europe by the British, they have spread into a global trend. New materials and designs have improved on the original kayak, but there are only three classifications: the rigid shell, the folding model and inflatables.

Inflatable touring kayaks are popular for families and adventurers touring rivers, lakes and calm coastal waters around the world. Although inflatables are associated primarily with white water rafting, inflatable kayaks are also used for paddling tours in the ocean and in lakes. The largest concern people have about an Eskimo style kayak is the threat of popping. Although lacking the rigidity of fiberglass or Kevlar, inflatables are made of a very resilient material that can withstand both the internal air pressure as well as scrapes against reefs and coarse sand.

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Kayaking is a sport that fuels adrenaline in the enthusiasts looking to ride the rapids of the world’s rivers. It is also a sport that brings families closer together for a day of paddling. There are single-passenger kayaks and double-passenger kayaks. The majority of white water paddlers prefer the tight fit of an Eskimo style kayak. For longer family trips however, the touring kayak has more room and let’s people stretch their legs as well as shift their position.

The selection of a suitable model, inflatable or Eskimo rigid, will depend on where the tour or tours is traveling. Portability, ease of storage and less expense are part of the charm of inflatables. No single kayak can excel at every type of kayaking situation. Before a person makes an investment in a kayak, they need to determine not only where they want to go, but also how they want to get there.

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