"The Arctic kayak appeals to us on an emotional level beyond that inspired by more prosaic items of material culture. It has a romantic image associated with fur-clad eskimos silently gliding along, hunting their sustenance or playing like otters in the waves; it illustrates the artistry and ingenuity of man in fashioning a superior means of transportation in an unforgiving climate. But perhaps we relate to the kayak on an even deeper level - it represents a means of man becoming at one with the rhythms of the sea; and as a means of transportation, it represents a singular image of freedom." David W. Zimmerly
(from Qajaq, Kayaks of Siberia and Alaska)
The skin-covered kayaks of the Arctic people are excellent examples of a technology developed over centuries of experimental refinement and everyday use. Geographical boundaries, cultural needs and individual craftsmanship made each kayak design unique to its region.
These craft were constructed with wood frames lashed together with sinew and covered in seal skin. The Arctic craftsmen did an amazing job of designing and constructing kayaks, many with complex shapes, using only the limited materials available to them. Kayak designs flourished throughout the Arctic with distinctive designs evolving in Greenland, Baffin Island, the Bering Strait area and the Aleutian Islands.
Greenland kayaks were distinct in their sleek lines and low profile. A graceful upswept bow and stern, combined with an extremely low deck profile, gave these kayaks great visual appeal. The narrow, single chine V hull on this hunting craft required a highly skilled paddler.
Baffin Island and Labrador kayaks were long, wide, and high volume. An extremely high cockpit coaming was designed to give the paddler a dry ride even in rough conditions. These load-carrying kayaks had a very stable, flat hull with flared sides.
Kayaks from the Bering Strait area (top) were short and wide with multi-chined hulls and high crowned decks. These kayaks had tremendous storage capacity for their length. They were stable, efficient and very easy to use.
The Aleuts designed and built fast, seaworthy kayaks (bottom). These cruisers were long and narrow with multi-chined, rounded hulls. In order to increase seaworthiness, they often carried ballast of up to sixty pounds. A unique forked bow design was created to maximize the efficiency of slicing through waves while maintaining sufficient buoyancy in rough conditions.
The people of the north developed a multitude of kayak designs. Each design reflected the needs of its people and their fine artistry. Some modern day kayak designers have drawn upon this rich heritage to develop todays recreational sea kayaks.
A short history of the kayak