A kayaker is someone who paddles a kayak, a small, narrow boat that sits low in the water. Unlike a canoe, where you kneel and use a single-bladed paddle, a kayaker sits with legs stretched forward and uses a double-bladed paddle, dipping first one end into the water, then the other, in a smooth rhythm.

Kayaks were invented thousands of years ago by Arctic peoples like the Inuit, who built them from animal skins stretched over wooden frames for hunting seals and whales in icy waters. Modern kayaks are typically made from plastic, fiberglass, or other waterproof materials, but they keep the same sleek, efficient design.

Today's kayakers might paddle through calm lakes, navigate rushing whitewater rapids, explore ocean coastlines, or compete in races. Some kayakers seek peaceful wildlife watching, while others chase the thrill of challenging rivers. The sport requires balance, coordination, and upper body strength. Since kayaks sit so close to the water's surface, kayakers get wet easily and often wear waterproof gear.

Whether gliding across a mirror-smooth pond at dawn or battling through foam-topped waves, a kayaker experiences water in an intimate, powerful way that few other boats allow.