kajakki

Kajakki, in Finnish, refers to the kayak, a small, narrow watercraft propelled by a double-bladed paddle. It is typically designed for one or two paddlers and features a cockpit in which the paddler sits. Most modern sit-inside kayaks have a spray deck to seal the cockpit, while sit-on-top models are open and self-bailing.

Historically, kayaks were developed by Arctic Indigenous peoples such as the Inuit and Yupik for hunting and transport in cold coastal waters. Traditional kayaks used a wooden frame covered with skins; modern versions are built from plastics, fiberglass, composites, wood, and, in the case of inflatables and folding models, specialized fabrics.

Modern kajakit are categorized by use: sea or touring kayaks designed for long distances on open water; whitewater kayaks for fast, turbulent rivers; recreational kayaks for calm waters; fishing kayaks; and portable inflatable or folding variants. They vary in length, weight, hull shape and features such as skegs or rudders.

Safety and practice: use a personal flotation device, dress for water temperature, monitor weather and tides, and practice self-rescue and re-entry in controlled conditions before venturing far from shore.