Kayak: meaning, definitions and examples

A kayak is suitable for solo or tandem trips on rivers, lakes, or oceans. It is typically enclosed or open with a small cockpit, designed for maneuverable and sport activities.

• She loves kayaking on the calm lake every weekend.
• The guided tour included a kayaking excursion down the river.

A canoe is ideal for paddling on calm waters, such as lakes or slow-moving rivers. It is open on top and usually accommodates multiple people, making it perfect for family or group outings.

• We took the canoe out to the lake for a relaxing afternoon.
• They enjoy canoeing down the serene river during their camping trips.

A paddleboat is great for leisurely activities on small lakes or ponds. It is often powered by foot pedals, making it a fun and easy option for casual outings.

• The children had fun pedaling the paddleboat around the pond.
• We rented a paddleboat and spent the afternoon on the lake.

A raft is commonly used for adventures on rough, fast-moving waters like those encountered while whitewater rafting. It is typically an inflatable vessel, suitable for team efforts in navigating rapids.

• They went whitewater rafting on the wild river.
• The group enjoyed the thrill of navigating the rapids in their raft.

A kayak is usually a small, narrow watercraft which is typically propelled by means of a double-bladed paddle. It's commonly used in recreational activities and sports on lakes, rivers, and in the ocean.

• He learned to kayak on the river last summer
• They went kayaking during their vacation in Alaska

A skin boat, such as a traditional Inuit kayak or a umiak, is constructed with a wooden or bone frame that is covered with animal skins. It's mainly used by indigenous Arctic peoples for hunting and transportation across icy waters.

• The hunters set out in their skin boats to catch seals
• She marveled at the craftsmanship of the ancient skin boat displayed in the museum

An umiaq is a large open boat traditionally used by the Inuit and other Arctic peoples, typically for family transport and hunting in the Arctic regions. It is made from a wooden or whalebone frame covered with animal skins.

• The umiaq carried the entire family along with their supplies for the long journey
• They set out in the umiaq to follow the whale migration

Use 'kayak' when referring to a small, narrow watercraft typically used by one or two people, often in rivers, lakes, or the sea. It's propelled using a double-bladed paddle.

• They rented a kayak for their weekend trip to the lake.
• She enjoys kayaking in the early morning when the water is calm.

Use 'paddle' to refer to the tool used to propel canoes and kayaks. It can also be used as a verb meaning to move a boat using paddles.

• Don't forget to bring your paddle for the canoe trip.
• They paddled down the river for hours.

Use 'row' as a verb when talking about propelling a boat using oars. Typically, it refers to the action in larger boats or rowboats rather than canoes or kayaks.

• They decided to row the boat to the other side of the lake.
• We spent the afternoon rowing on the calm waters of the pond.

Use 'canoe' when talking about a lightweight boat, traditionally open on top, and usually paddled by one or more people using single-bladed paddles. It is often used on calm lakes or slow-moving rivers.

• The scouts took a canoe down the gentle river.
• He prefers canoeing because it allows him to enjoy the scenery.