2020 Pesta Sukan Canoe Slalom Championships

Kayaks can be made of many different materials but ours are made of polyethylene. They are strong for their weight, relatively indestructible (but please don’t test this on purpose by dropping one), and quite inexpensive. The ones we use, for example, cost around $450 new for the hull, plus extra for the additional necessary equipment. Some kayaks are made of wood, which looks beautiful but is difficult to repair, and others are made of fiberglass, which is easy to repair but also easy to damage. There are inflatable kayaks, which obviously are easy to transport when deflated but are not very robust and are easily blown off course. You may still see a few canvas kayaks, which were the way kayaks were built before synthetics came in.

All our kayaks are singles but you can buy doubles. Ours also have a cockpit, meaning that you sit in the kayak. Many people today buy sit-on-top kayaks. There’s less to learn because if you fall off, you just scramble back on but it’s tough to store any gear on a siton-top and, without good protective clothing, the paddler can get really cold. Our kayaks do not have rudders to steer with but regular sea kayaks do. Rudders are a great feature if you buy your own kayak and plan long trips but they are also rather delicate and easy to damage.

You should wear loose fitting clothes such as a T-shirt and shorts. If the weather is cool or raining (Yes! We do paddle in the rain!!), it’s best to wear something windproof and waterproof, as well as a fleece or other extra layer to keep you warm. It can be miserable if you are either cold or wet and really miserable if you are both cold AND wet, so be nice to yourself and dress appropriately. If you are looking to buy a waterproof top (later you’ll understand why you don’t need waterproofing below your waist) consider the slight extra expense of buying one made out of breathable fabric. That way, when you paddle hard, you stay dry, as your sweat escapes through the pores of the jacket rather than soaking your clothes