Paddle Craft Definitions

To help you understand the different types of Canoes, Kayaks, Skis and Sit-on-Tops I have created the table below.
This will hopefully help competitors entering races and events in WA and also give newcomers to paddling an idea of the different craft that are available.

The main four categories of paddle craft are:
Canoes
Kayaks
Skis
Sit-on-Top Kayaks

Canoes

Canoes
Canoes are generally open, have raised seats and paddled with single bladed paddles. They can either be two seater or three seaters and are extremely good for carrying lots of gear. They are great for families and for overnight trips.
However, not all canoes are as open or are paddled by two paddlers as above. Some white water canoes have cockpits similar to a kayak, although flat water racing canoes are open and sleek in appearance. A canoe is defined by the type of paddle the paddler is using. A single bladed paddle is used in a canoe.

Kayaks

Kayaks
A kayak has a cockpit of around 80cm long, however there are some kayaks with smaller cockpits and some with longer cockpits which you will find on racing kayaks. Because kayaks have cockpits it means you can put a spray deck on to keep the water out. There are many different types of kayaks from 2.6m to 6.3m long kayaks. Narrow ones are generally used for racing and are very unstable whereas the wider ones are more stable and can be used in rougher water conditions and are more suitable for novices. A touring kayak which is suitable for novices is generally around the 4 to 4.5 metres long. Racing kayaks are longer. Kayaks are used in a variety of disciplines, ie different white water events, canoe polo, sea kayaking, touring, and racing which are used at World Championships or Olympics. Kayaks are paddled with double bladed paddles. Kayaks are either made of composite materials, like fibreglass, kevlar, carbon but nowadays many are made of plastic.

Sit-On-Top Kayaks

Sit-On-Top Kayaks
A Sit-On-Top kayak has no cockpit area so the paddler is more exposed to the weather. A Sit-On-Top comes in all shapes and sizes from the small 2.5 metre to the much longer 5 metres, but most are below 4.5 metres long. Generally a Sit-On-Top is a craft that is used for recreational purposes. The narrow racing ones are called skis. In a capsized situation most paddlers are able to remount making them a good choice for the ocean or open water. They are paddled with a double bladed paddle. Most Sit-on-Tops are made of plastic. There are just heaps of different designs from the small 2.6m models that are sluggish to paddle but cheap, to the larger models that are used for touring of fishing. Sit-On-Tops are also available in doubles. Some are designed with a third seat near the centre to take a small child or to be paddled solo.

Skis

Skis
A Ski is used for racing or for fitness so it is generally over 4 metres and up to 6.5m long. There are doubles and singles. They are much like a Sit-On-Top but are generally racier, narrower and more unstable. However there are skis that are quite stable and therefore more suited to beginners, like the Epic V8 and a few of the longer plastic ones. Be careful when buying a narrow ski if you are a beginner as they can take a while to get used to. Always keep close to the shore whilst you are getting used to the craft. Skis are paddled with double bladed paddles. Skis are made of composite materials, like fibreglass, kevlar, carbon but there are several plastic ones on the market as well.

The List of craft:

1 – K1: Single Kayak – 5.2m (Sprint & Marathon)
2 – K2: Double Kayak – 6.5m (Sprint & Marathon)
3 – MS: Multisport Kayak – Above 5.2m
4 – WWK1: (DR) Wild Water K1 – 4.5m
5 – WWC1: Wild Water C1 (Canoe w/cockpit) – 4.3m
6 – WWC2: Wild Water C2 (Canoe w/cockpit) – 5.00m
7 – ORS: Ocean Racing Ski – no set length -(often called a Molakai)
8 – ORS2: Double Racing Ski – no set length
9 – S1: Single Ski (Spec Ski) – 5.79m
10 – S2: Double Ski (Spec Ski) – 5.79m
11 – K4: Kayak paddled by 4 paddlers – 1100cm (Sprint & Marathon)
12 – K3: Kayak paddled by 3 paddlers
13 – C1: Single Canoe (Flat Water Racing) 5.2m (Sprint & Marathon)
14 – C2: Double Canoe (Flat Water Racing) 6.5m (Sprint & Marathon)
15 – TK1: Single Touring Kayak (Flat Water Racing) 4.5m
16 – Guppy K1: Kayak used by junior paddlers (Flat Water Racing)
17 – Guppy K2: Kayak used by 2 junior paddlers (Flat Water Racing)
18 – SK1 – Slalom Kayak – Single – Min Length 3.50m
19 – SC1: Slalom Canoe – Single – Min Length 3.50m
20 – SC2: Slalom Canoe – Double – Min Length 4.10m
21 – Polo Bat: Canoe Polo
22 – Canoe: Open Canoe (Recreation)
23 – Sea Kayak: Kayak used for sea kayaking trips
24 – Estuary Kayak: A shorter Sea Kayak
25 – Sea Kayak Double: A double Sea Kayak used for sea kayaking trips
26 – Playboat/Freestyle:  Kayak for playing and doing tricks in white water rapids
27 – GWK1: General White Water Kayak
28 – LP/K: Long Plastic Kayak – above 4.5m
29 – LP/S: Long Plastic Ski – above 4.5m
30 – SP/K: Short Plastic Kayak – below 4.5m
31 – SP/S: Short Plastic Ski – below 4.5m
32 – PK/2 – Double Plastic Kayak
33 – PK/2O – Plastic Double Kayak Open Rec
34 – PS/2 – Plastic Double Ski
35 – Double Rec Sit-on Kayak
36 – Short Rec Sit-on-Top Kayak
37 – Short Rec Sit-in Kayak
38 – Fishing Kayaks
39 – Pedal Craft
40 – Cockle 7 – used in World War 2

When you enter in races the abbreviations or your class would look like below:

Please note: In WA many paddlers paddling the plastic Finn Multisport or the Finn Molakai enter the wrong class. These two boats are long plastics so they belong in the long plastic class (LP) and not the Multisport Class.

For a K1 in Sprint or Marathon the abbreviations are as below:

K1M – indicates the paddler is paddling a single kayak and is a man.
K1W – indicates the paddler is paddling a single kayak and is a women
K2M – indicates two paddler being men
K2Mix – indicates two paddlers, one being a man the other being a women

Details of all these craft are below:

1  – K1 – Single Kayak, Composite, max length 5.2m 

CRAFT	K1 – Single Kayak
MAX LENGTH	Specifications to International Canoe Federation regulations 5.2m
	Olympic K1s are very thin and unstable and are paddled by experienced paddlers. The very narrow K1s are not suited to beginners so be careful if you are starting out and buying this type of craft. This craft is a racing craft that is used in local races as well as at World Championships and the Olympics. However some K1s are wider than the Olympic class K1 which give the paddler more stability. The more stable variety are better suited to the intemediate paddlers. Rules & Regs – http://www.canoeicf.com/icf/AboutICF/Rules-and-Statutes.html
Construction	Composite = Made of Fibreglass, Kevlar, Carbon etc.

2 –K2 – Double Kayak, Composite, max length 6.5m

CRAFT	K2 – Double Kayak
MAX LENGTH	Specifications to International Canoe Federation regulations 6.5m
	An Olympic K2 is very unstable and are paddled by experienced paddlers.Beginners should be careful when purchasing a narrow K2 as they will be tippy. An Olympic K2 is a racing craft that is used in local races as well as at World Championships and the Olympics. Some K2s however are wider than the Olympic class K2 to give the paddlers more stability and can be paddled by less experienced paddlers. They often have a more bulky appearance. These kayaks are still classed as a K2 if the max length is 6.5m long. Rules & Regs – http://www.canoeicf.com/icf/AboutICF/Rules-and-Statutes.html
CONSTRUCTION	Composite = Made of Fibreglass, Kevlar, Carbon etc.

3 – MS – Multisport Kayak, Composite, above 5.2m

CRAFT	MS or MSK1 – Multisport Kayak
MIN LENGTH	Above 5.2m. This craft is over 5.2m and can vary up to about 6.5m
NOTES	Being longer than a K1 the ICF rules don’t apply to this craft. These craft are longer and wider than a K1 which give them more stability, but are still very fast. It means that paddlers who don’t have such good balance or who are paddling in rougher conditions still have the speed. These craft are used a lot in New Zealand’s and Australia’s multisport events. In WA there is a big following amongst paddlers who want stability and good speed.
CONSTRUCTION	Composite = Made of Fibreglass, Kevlar, Carbon etc.

 

4 – WWK1 – Wildwater Single Kayak, Composite  CRAFT WWK1 -Wildwater Single Kayak  – No Rudder / Also know locally as a Down River Kayak (DR) MAX LENGTH MIN WIDTH 4.5m 0.60cm Specifications to International Canoe Federation regulations NOTE This Wild Water Kayak (WWK1) is often referred to as a Down River Kayak (DR). It has no rudder so to help with turning and tracking it is necessary to use boat lean and paddle strokes. The Wild Water Kayak is mainly used for racing down rapids but it can be used for paddling on flat water. Wild Water racing is a World Championship discipline. Because it has no rudder beginners may find this craft difficult to keep straight. The kayak width specifications is 60cm so all WW kayaks have a wider section (wings) behind the seat.  This not only help it to comply with the regulations but the wider section above the water can help with stability. (There is a shorter 4m plastic version of the wildwater kayak called the Wavehopper). Rules & Regs – http://www.canoeicf.com/icf/AboutICF/Rules-and-Statutes.html CONSTRUCTION Composite = Made of Fibreglass, Kevlar, Carbon etc. 5 – WWC1 – Wildwater Single Canoe, Composite  CRAFT WWC1 – Wild Water Single Canoe – No rudder MAX LENGTHMIN WIDTH  Specifications to International Canoe Federation regulations 4.3m 0.70m NOTE This craft is paddled by a single paddle and has no rudder. To help keep the boat straight a J stroke (steering stroke) in used as well as boat lean. The paddler is also kneeling and sits higher in the boat than a kayak. It is much more difficult boat to paddle than a kayak. The Wildwater Canoe is mainly used for racing down rapids but it is also used for paddling on flat water. It is a slower craft than the kayak. Wildwater racing is a World Championship discipline. This craft is not suitable for novices. Rules & Regs – http://www.canoeicf.com/icf/AboutICF/Rules-and-Statutes.html CONSTRUCTION Composite = Made of Fibreglass, Kevlar, Carbon etc. 6 – WWC2 -Wildwater Double Canoe – Composite CRAFT WWC2 – Wildwater Double Canoe – No rudder MAX LENGTH MIN WIDTH   5.00m 0.80m Specifications to International Canoe Federation regulations NOTE This craft is paddled by single paddles. To help keep the boat straight a J stroke (steering stroke) in used as well as boat lean. The paddler is also kneeling and sits higher in the boat than a kayak. It is much more difficult boat to paddle than a kayak. The Wildwater Canoe is mainly used for racing down rapids. Wildwater racing is a World Championship discipline. Rules & Regs – http://www.canoeicf.com/icf/AboutICF/Rules-and-Statutes.html CONSTRUCTION Composite = Made of Fibreglass, Kevlar, Carbon etc. 7 – ORS – Ocean Racing Ski, (often called a Molakai Ski) Composite:  sometimes referred to as S1 or SS2 – Single Ski CRAFT ORS – Ocean Racing Ski (Single) is also known as a Molakai Ski and sometimes referred to as a S1 or SS1 single ski. Yes it is confusing! PLEASE NOTE: In Canoe WA race entries this craft is often referred to as a S1 or a Molakai, depending on the race organisers. Because there are a few abbreviations for this craft care should be taken when entering a race online to make sure you tick the right box especially if there is a different class for the SLSA Spec Skis. MAX LENGTH Generally 6.5m but there is no set rule NOTE This skis which is raced in our long distance races and ocean races are often called a Molakai after the Molakai ocean race in Hawaii. This race is/was regarded as a World Championship event but there is now a push from the International Canoe Association to run a World Championship event at different locations. Ocean Racing Skis are mainly used for downwind paddling although they are also used extensively for general racing and fitness. In downwind races the race course is designed so that the paddler is racing the same way as the wind is blowing, therefore the paddler can use the wind, waves and swell to their advantage. Ocean racing surf skis differ from spec skis in that they are longer and have sharply pointed bows. The front of the modern SLSA lifesaving spec type surf ski is often flared to prevent nose diving on returning to shore when surfing down large steep waves. CONSTRUCTION Composite = Made of Fibreglass, Kevlar, Carbon etc. 8 – ORS2 – Double Ocean Racing Ski, (Double Molakai or S2) Composite CRAFT ORS2 – Double Ocean Racing Ski or Double Molakai and sometimes referred to as a S2 or SS2 double ski. MAX LENGTH For Ocean Races there doesn’t seem to be a max length. The Epic Ski is 7.6m & the Fenn XT double is 7.5m. NOTE This skis, which is raced in our long distance races and ocean races are often called a Molakai after the Molakai ocean race in Hawaii. This race is/was regarded as a World Championship event but there is now a push from the International Canoe Association to run a World Championship event at different locations.Ocean Racing Skis are designed for downwind paddling although they are used extensively for general racing and fitness. In downwind races the race course is designed so that the paddler is racing the same way as the wind is blowing, therefore the paddler can use the wind, waves and swell to their advantage. Ocean racing surf skis differ from spec skis in that they are longer, have sharply pointed bows. The front of the modern SLSA lifesaving spec type surf ski is often flared to prevent nose diving on returning to shore when surfing down large steep waves. CONSTRUCTION COMPOSITE: Fibreglass, Kevlar or Carbon 9 – S1 – Single Ski, (Spec Ski) used in SLSA events, Composite CRAFT S1 – Single Spec Ski used in SLSA events MAX LENGTH MIN WIDTH 5.79m (includes wave deflector – not including any rudder).Minimum width shall be 480mm, measured at the widest point of the hull.There are many rules & regulations regarding this craft set out by SLSA. Go to the link below: and go to Surf Craft Specificationshttp://sls.com.au/members/surf-sports/preferred-suppliers NOTE Although this craft is generally used in SLSA events it is often used in Canoe WA flat water events and it is generally put in the same class as the ORS Ocean Racing Skis. (Some races though have a separate class for the spec skis & ORS (Molakai ski). Because the ORS (Ocean Racing Ski) are often referred to as a S1 care should be taken when entering a race online to make sure you tick the right box, especially if there is a different class for the SLSA Spec Skis and the ORS (Molakai ski). The front of the modern SLSA lifesaving spec type surf ski is often flared to prevent nose diving on returning to shore when surfing down large steep waves. Ocean racing surf skis differ from spec skis in that they are longer and have sharply pointed bows. CONSTRUCTION COMPOSITE – There are several other specifications for this craft set out by the Surf Life Saving Association (SLSA) 10 – S2 – Double Spec Ski – used in SLSA events CRAFT S2 – Double Spec Ski – used in SLSA events MAX LENGTH 7.32 m (Includes wave deflector – not including any rudder) There are many rules & regulations regarding this craft set out by SLSA. Go to the link below: and go to Surf Craft Specificationshttp: //sls.com.au/members/surf-sports/preferred-suppliers NOTE Although this craft is generally used in SLSA events it is often used in Canoe WA events and it is generally put in the same class as the ORS Ocean Racing Skis. (Some races will have a separate class for the spec skis & ORS (Molakai ski). Because the ORS (Ocean Racing Ski) are often referred to as a S1 care should be taken when entering a race online to make sure you tick the right box, especially if there is a different class for the SLSA Spec Skis and the ORS (Molakai ski). CONSTRUCTION COMPOSITE – There are several other specifications for this craft set out by the Surf Life Saving Association (SLSA) 11- K4 -Kayak paddled by four paddlers CRAFT K4 – Kayak paddled by four paddlers MAX LENGTH 1100cm NOTE A K4 is usually used in sprint & some LDR racing events. They are raced in the Olympics and World Championships and currently Australia holds an Olympic gold medal in the K4 event. Good teamwork is essential. Rules & Regs – http://www.canoeicf.com/icf/AboutICF/Rules-and-Statutes.html CONSTRUCTION COMPOSITE: Fibreglass, Kevlar or Carbon 12 – K3 – Kayak paddled by three paddlers CRAFT K3 – Kayak paddled by three paddlers MAX LENGTH NOTE CONSTRUCTION COMPOSITE: Fibreglass, Kevlar or Carbon 13 – C1 -Single Canoe, Composite,  CRAFT C1 – Single Canoe, Composite, MAX LENGTH 5.2m NOTE This craft is mainly used in marathon and sprint flatwater events. They are very unstable and only the most skilled can balance them. Suited to the advanced paddler.They are paddled with single bladed paddles and paddlers kneel on one knee and are always paddled on the one side.It is an Olympic class canoe. Not suitable for novices. Rules & Regs – http://www.canoeicf.com/icf/AboutICF/Rules-and-Statutes.html CONSTRUCTION COMPOSITE: Fibreglass, Kevlar or Carbon 14 – C2 – Double Canoe CRAFT C2 – Double Canoe, MAX LENGTH 6.5m NOTE This craft is mainly used in marathon and sprint flatwater events. They are very unstable and only the most skilled can balance them. Suited to the advanced paddler. They are paddled with single bladed paddles and paddlers kneel on one knee and are always paddled on opposite sides. It is an Olympic class canoe.Not suitable for novices. Rules & Regs – http://www.canoeicf.com/icf/AboutICF/Rules-and-Statutes.html CONSTRUCTION COMPOSITE: Fibreglass, Kevlar or Carbon 15 – TK1 – Single Touring Kayak CRAFT TK1 – Single Touring Kayak, Composite MAX LENGTH 457.2 cm The specifications for TK1s are as approved by the Marathon Committee of Australian Canoeing (AC). NOTE Although TK1s are raced extensively in the eastern states in WA there are very few paddlers race a TK1.There is no category for them in WA races so they have to race with the K1s.This craft however is a great boat for novice to intermediate paddlers who just want a light, relatively stable kayak with good speed. NOTES COMPOSITE: Fibreglass, Kevlar or Carbon 16 – Guppy Kayak – Paddled by juniors paddlers CRAFT Guppy LENGTHWIDTH Usually around 414cmWidth 48cm NOTE Guppies are paddled by junior paddlers usually under 14 years. Being shorter than a K1 they are great kayaks for juniors. CONSTRUCTION COMPOSITE: Fibreglass, Kevlar or Carbon 17 – Guppy Double – Paddled by two junior paddlers CRAFT Double Guppy LENGTH NOTE Guppies are paddled by junior paddlers usually under 14 years. They are great kayaks for juniors. CONSTRUCTION COMPOSITE: Fibreglass, Kevlar or Carbon 18 – SK1 – Slalom Kayak, Composite, CRAFT SK1 – Slalom Kayak – Single MIN LENGTH MIN WIDTH 3.50m 0.60 m Specifications to International Canoe Federation regulations NOTE Slalom kayaks are designed for racing through and around poles in a rapid running stretch of water, either on a man-made course or on a natural rapid river. In slalom races each athlete completes two runs of the course on a route with 20 gates suspended over the river. The competitors race against the clock and the result of each round is obtained by adding the time taken in seconds, and adding the penalties awarded at each gate by a judge.Slalom kayaking is a World Championship & Olympic sport. At the London Olympics Australia’s Jessica Fox won a silver medal in the women’s slalom K1. (In WA Ascot Kayak Club & Swan Canoe Club have excellent programs for young and mature paddlers to learn the art of slalom paddling). Rules & Regs – http://www.canoeicf.com/icf/AboutICF/Rules-and-Statutes.html CONSTRUCTION COMPOSITE: Fibreglass, Kevlar or Carbon 19 – SC1 – Slalom Canoe, Composite, CRAFT SC1 – Single Canoe MIN LENGTH Min WIDTH 3.50 m 0.60 m Specifications to International Canoe Federation regulations NOTE A slalom canoe is paddled by using a single bladed paddle. Paddlers kneel in the boat and although paddlers chose to paddle on their favoured side they will often cross over depending on the manoeuvre. Slalom canoes are designed for racing through and around poles in a rapid running stretch of water, either on a man-made course or on a natural rapid river. In slalom races each athlete completes two runs of the course on a route with 20 gates suspended over the river. The competitors race against the clock and the result of each round is obtained by adding the time taken in seconds, and adding the penalties awarded at each gate by a judge. Slalom kayaking is a World Championship & Olympic sport. In 2005 Robin Bell won the World C1 Championships. In 2008 he won a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics. (In WA Ascot Kayak Club & Swan Canoe Club have excellent programs for young and mature paddlers to learn the art of slalom paddling). Rules & Regs – http://www.canoeicf.com/icf/AboutICF/Rules-and-Statutes.html CONSTRUCTION COMPOSITE: Fibreglass, Kevlar or Carbon 20 – SC2 – Slalom Double Canoe, Composite, CRAFT SC2 – Slalom Double Canoe MIN LENGTH MIN WIDTH 4.10 m 0.75 m Specifications to International Canoe Federation regulations NOTE A double slalom canoe is paddled by two paddlers using single bladed paddles. Paddlers kneel in the boat and although paddlers chose to paddle on their favoured but opposite side, the front paddler will often cross over depending on the manoeuvre. The canoes are designed for racing through and around poles in a rapid running stretch of water, either on a man-made course or on a natural rapid river.In slalom races each athlete completes two runs of the course on a route with 20 gates suspended over the river. The competitors race against the clock and the result of each round is obtained by adding the time taken in seconds, and adding the penalties awarded at each gate by a judge. This is a very skilful discipline.(In WA Ascot Kayak Club & Swan Canoe Club have excellent programs for young and mature paddlers to learn the art of slalom paddling). Rules & Regs – http://www.canoeicf.com/icf/AboutICF/Rules-and-Statutes.html CONSTRUCTION COMPOSITE: Fibreglass, Kevlar or Carbon 21 – Polo Bat CRAFT Polo Bat MAX LENGTH A canoe polo kayak with integrated bumpers, or a kayak to have padding fixed later, must not be longer than 3000 mm and must not be wider than 600 mm. NOTE Canoe Polo is an exciting team event played on 35m x 23m pitches set up in swimming pools or on flat stretches of water. Teams of 5 paddlers battle to score goals in a net suspended 2m above the water, the ball being thrown by hand, or ‘flicked’ with the paddle. Playing time is usually two periods each of ten minutes duration, unless overtime is needed to decide the result.Canoe Polo is an exciting fast game that is very skilful. Played in swimming pools throughout Australia. Rules & Regs – http://www.canoeicf.com/icf/AboutICF/Rules-and-Statutes.html CONSTRUCTION Composite or Plastic 22 – Canoe – Open CRAFT Canoe – Open LENGTH Varies. There is no set rule. Most are between 4.2m to 5.2m NOTE A canoe can be used for social paddling, day trips or big expeditions. A canoe can carry a large load for up to several weeks. Canoes are paddled with single bladed paddles and you can either sit in a raised position or kneel for more stability. They are such a great craft to do long river expeditions. CONSTRUCTION Composite or Plastic 23 – Sea Kayak CRAFT Sea Kayak LENGTH Sea Kayaks tend to be between 5 and 6 metres long but they can be shorter. (Shorter ones below 5 metres are often called Estuary Kayaks) NOTE Sea kayaks have bulkheads and hatches which allow paddlers to store camping gear and food inside for trips & expeditions. Although they are called sea kayaks they can be used on lakes or rivers. Sea kayaks are great for expeditions and getting away from the rat-race. Most sea kayaks are reasonably stable to cope with the rough ocean conditions but it is essential to get training and be confident in the craft before taking on long or rough crossings. As a paddler you should know your limits and don’t paddle in the ocean if the conditions are above your limit. Sea kayaks differ in shape, length, width, with a rudder, without a rudder so it is essential that you pick a kayak that is suited to the type of paddling you want to do.Personally I wouldn’t paddle a sea kayak on a long expedition without a rudder. CONSTRUCTION Composite or Plastic 24 – Estuary Kayak CRAFT Estuary Kayak MAX LENGTH An Estuary Kayak is usually around the 4m – 5 metre mark. NOTE An Estuary kayak is generally used for shorter sea trips, estuary paddles or for general river touring. They are usually easy kayaks to paddle on flat water.Estuary kayaks have bulkheads and hatches which allow paddlers to store camping gear and food inside for trips & expeditions. They usually carry up to 8 days of gear. Most Estuary kayaks are reasonably stable but it is essential to get training and be confident in the craft before taking on long or rough crossings. As a paddler you should know your limits and don’t paddle in open water if the conditions are above your limit. Estuary kayaks differ in shape, length, width, with a rudder, without a rudder so it is essential that you pick a kayak that is suited to the type of paddling you want to do. Personally I wouldn’t paddle a Estuary kayak on a long open water expedition without a rudder. CONSTRUCTION Composite or Plastic 25 – Sea Kayak Double CRAFT Sea Kayak Double LENGTH Sea kayak doubles vary in length from 5m to 7.3m NOTE Sea kayaks have bulkheads and hatches which allow paddlers to store camping gear and food inside for trips & expeditions. Although they are called sea kayaks they can be used on lakes or rivers. Tour groups use double sea kayaks a lot. They are generally quite stable and give the less experienced paddler a chance to get on the water and experience the wonders of river, lake and ocean paddling. CONSTRUCTION Composite or Plastic 26 – Playboat/Freestyle CRAFT Playboat/Freestyle LENGTH Short NOTE It’s lots of fun but it is very skilful. Canoe Freestyle is a whitewater disicpline where the paddler performs a range of acrobatic tricks and manoeuvres on a river feature such as a wave or a hole. Playboating as it is also often called is enjoyed by many as a recreational sport. At the top level athletes participate in competitions both nationally and internationally. Some of the moves that paddlers are achieving are just spectacular and amazing. These short kayaks are not so suited to long white water trips. Rules & Regs – http://www.canoeicf.com/icf/AboutICF/Rules-and-Statutes.html CONSTRUCTION Usually Plastic 27 – General White Water Kayak CRAFT General White Water Kayak – White Water Trip Kayak MAX LENGTH A general white water kayak is usually between 3 to 4.5 metres long. NOTE White water paddling is just great fun. The 3 to 4 metre long kayaks are good for river trips that are quite long. Being faster than the short playboat it means the trip is quicker and the paddler doesn’t get so tired. This kayak usually has a good rocker so it turns easily in the white water. Although they are still good for surfing waves they are too long to do the tricks that a shorter playboat can do. There are also shorter kayaks around the 2.5m to 3m kayaks that are good for river running and creek paddling. These kayaks are extremely good for paddling tight sections or vertical drops. They are however slow when doing long white water trips. CONSTRUCTION Composite or Plastic 28 – LPK – Long Plastic – Single Kayak, Plastic, min length 4.5m & above CRAFT LP or LPK Long Plastic KayakThe most popular long plastic kayak is the Finn Multisport, although there are a few others that would be in that category like the Cobra Viper or many plastic sea kayaks above 4.5m MIN LENGTH 4.5m & above NOTE These kayaks are popular in the Avon Descent. They are fairly fast, durable and a great craft for kayak paddlers who don’t want to break up their composite kayak. They are also a great kayak for fitness training.In WA races long plastic kayaks and long plastic skis usually race in the same category. CONSTRUCTION Plastic 29 – LPS – Long Plastic – Single Ski, Plastic, min length 4.5m & above CRAFT LP or LPS Long Plastic Ski MIN LENGTH 4.5m & above NOTE Plastic Skis are probably the most popular paddle craft in WA. They are without doubt the most popular craft in the Avon Descent. They come in different lengths and stability. The faster ones are long and narrow. As a novice care should be taken to get the right one as you might not be able to paddle a really unstable ski. In rough water it is better to have a ski that is reasonably stable rather than one that you are fighting to stay on. If paddling in the ocean skis can be remounted if you capsize. However if the ski is very narrow it can be difficult to get back on so before venturing too far from the shore make sure you are extremely competent in getting back onto your ski.In WA races long plastic kayaks and long plastic skis usually race in the same category. CONSTRUCTION Plastic 30 – SP – Short Plastic – Single Kayak, Composite, max length 4.5m CRAFT SP or SPK. Short Plastic Kayak MAX LENGTH 4.5m Kayaks in this category include kayaks like the Ace 445, the Wavehopper, the Finn Kayak, the Australis Platypus Kayak ……. NOTE Touring type kayaks like the Australis Platypus, the Ace 445 and the Finn Kayak are really great kayaks for the novice to intermediate paddlers. They are stable and relatively fast, but of course not as fast as the much longer kayaks. Rudders help the kayak to track whereas the Wavehopper, without a rudder will be hard for a novice to control.In WA races short plastic kayaks and short plastic skis usually race in the same category. CONSTRUCTION Plastic 31 – SP – Short Plastic – Single Ski, Plastic, max length 4.5m CRAFT SP – Short Plastic – SPS Short Plastic Ski MAX LENGTH 4.5m NOTE These sit-on-top skis are great for the novice to intermediate paddlers. They are quite stable and relatively fast, but of course not as fast as the much longer skis. CONSTRUCTION Plastic 32 – PK2 – Plastic Double Kayak,  CRAFT PK2 – Double Plastic Kayak LENGTH Varies NOTE There are a few plastic K2s the Ace 515 is a very popular one that is very stable and a good choice for the novice to intermediate paddlers to use in the Avon Descent. Finn have welded two single multisport plastic kayaks together and created a longer sleeker craft. By doing this it has resulted in a less stable but much faster kayak.These modified kayaks are made to order at CDU. CONSTRUCTION Plastic 33 – PK/2O – Plastic Double Kayak Open CRAFT PK2O – Plastic Double Kayak Open LENGTH Usually between 4m to 5m NOTE These open kayaks are used for recreational purposes on calm rivers and lakes. Great for social paddles but not suited to the rough open waters where water can swamp the kayak.A bailer or pump should be carried in choppy conditions. CONSTRUCTION Plastic 34 – PS/2 – Plastic Double Ski, Plastic, CRAFT PS2 – Plastic Double Ski LENGTH In WA races plastic kayaks and plastic skis usually race in the same category. NOTE There are few plastic skis on the market that have good speed. The Ace Spirit double CTR is a very stable and a good choice for the novice to intermediate paddlers to use in the Avon Descent or for general paddling. Spirit have welded two single PRS plastic skis together and created a longer sleeker craft. By doing this it has resulted in a less stable but much faster double ski. These modified skis are made to order at CDU. CONSTRUCTION Plastic 35 – Sit-On Kayak – Double Rec CRAFT Rec Double Sit-on Kayak LENGTH Varies NOTE There are many different Double Sit-on-Tops. Some longer some shorter. Some that take two paddlers others that have a third seat for a small child or for paddling solo. Wide sit-on-tops tend to be for recreational use. CONSTRUCTION Plastic 36 – Short Sit-On-Top Kayak – 2.5 to 3m CRAFT Short Rec Sit-on-Top Kayak LENGTH Lengths of this craft can vary from 2.4m upwards, however most of the short craft are 2.6 to 3 metres long. NOTES Anything that is short is going to be slow and harder to paddle. The longer they are the faster they become. There are many different short sit-on-craft to choose from. Most have got drain holes (scuppers) to allow water to escape from the cockpit area when flooded. Sit-ons are good for the surf and open water as if you capsize most paddlers are able to climb back onto the craft. Spirit, Finn, Adventure Kayaks and Australis ones are made in Australia. CONSTRUCTION Plastic 37 – Short Rec Sit-in-Kayak – 2.6 – 3.5m CRAFT Short Rec Sit-in-Kayak LENGTH Short Sit-ons vary from 2.6m to 3.5m NOTES Anything that is short is going to be slow and harder to paddle. The longer they are the faster they become. These are great recreational craft, easy to use and lighter to lift. CONSTRUCTION Plastic 38 – Fishing Kayaks CRAFT Fishing Kayaks LENGTH Fishing kayaks can be as short as 2.6m to 5 metres. NOTES Most of the longer fishing kayaks will have flush mounted rod holders,transducer compatible scupper, large tank/storage well, small and large storage areas, backrest seats, paddle holders. Optional anchor set up.Rudders are optional on many craft. Rod holders can be fitted later to many craft. CONSTRUCTION Plastic 39 – Pedal Craft CRAFT Pedal Craft LENGTH Pedal craft vary in length. NOTES There are sit-on and sit-in pedal craft. Pedal craft are very popular with fisherman. They can be pedalled or paddled. Rudders are essential. CONSTRUCTION Plastic Craft Images CRAFT MAX LENGTH NOTES CONSTRUCTION 40 – Cockle 7 – Built in 1944 during World War 2 CRAFT Cockle 7 LENGTH NOTE Made in 1944 from aluminium, this 3 piece take-a-part double kayak was used in the far-east and Burma during the Second World War. It was transported in three pieces by submarines and Catalina flying boats. This one was used in Burma. CONSTRUCTION Aluminium