What started as a mode of transportation and hunting more than 4,000 years ago has evolved into one of Newport’s favorite physical exercises, competitive sports and leisure pastimes: Kayaking.
Over the eons, the major changes to kayaks have been the materials used to build them. Toray they are primarily fiberglass, carbon fiber, or roto-molded plastics. However, the tried-and-true (and still primitive) method of propulsion has remained virtually unchanged: good old doubled-bladed paddles. And for those who kayak regularly for both exercise and passion, hand callouses below the fingers also remain a non-evolved benefit of the sport.
Silent, non-polluting and unobtrusive, kayaks can cost anywhere from several hundred dollars into the $5,000 range…