Tackle the Towers

Kayaking is the most popular form of paddling, increasing from 3 percent of Americans participating in 2010 to 4.4 percent in 2014. While the less popular forms of sea/tour kayaking and whitewater kayaking made marginal gains in participation in 2014, recreational kayaking remained stagnant. Still, recreational kayaking is, by far, the most popular type of kayaking.

Kayakers are the most avid paddlers, averaging 8.1 outings. Overall, kayaking is most popular among young adults, ages 18 to 24. Interestingly, a majority of participants in this age group — 62 percent — are female.

Although canoeing participation slightly decreased in 2014, the sport remains the second most popular paddlesport. Marginal decreases in participation were seen in all age groups, except for young adults, ages 18 to 24.