Kajaker

Kajaker is a term used in Norwegian and some other Scandinavian languages to refer to a person who paddles a kayak. The activity associated with the term is commonly called kajakkpadling in Norwegian or kayaking in English. The scope of kajaker includes recreational paddling as well as competitive and expedition use, with individuals paddling solo or in tandem and pursuing a range of environments such as coastal seas, lakes, rivers, and whitewater.

Discipline and practice

Kajakers may specialize in different disciplines, including sea kayaking (coastal touring and open-water paddling), whitewater kayaking (riding river rapids), and flatwater or sprint kayaking. Techniques and equipment vary by discipline, emphasizing stability, efficiency, and safety. Training often covers paddling technique, navigation, weather and tidal knowledge, rescue skills, and physical conditioning.

Equipment and safety

Common gear for kajaker activities includes a kayak appropriate to the discipline, a double-bladed paddle, a PFD (personal flotation device), and typically a spray skirt for cockpit-equipped boats. Whitewater kajakers use helmets and additional protective clothing, while sea kayakers may carry navigation, communication, and emergency gear. Safety practices emphasize the use of appropriate buoyancy, risk assessment, self-rescue, and, in group contexts, mutual support.

Organization and competition

Competitive kajaking is organized through national federations and international bodies that oversee canoe and kayak racing. The International Canoe Federation (ICF) governs many canoe/kayak events, including sprint and slalom formats. Events may occur on rivers, lakes, or coastal waters, with rules addressing equipment specifications, safety, and race formats.

See also

Kayak, Kayaking, Whitewater kayaking.