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I first was introduced to kayaking many years ago. A friend of mine had a very expensive knockdown kayak. It was made in France, folded up and fit into two bags. We used it on a lake that was noted for the wind and high waves. The kayak rode over them as if it was made of cork. One of the best features of the knockdown is just that. It folds up. The cover is folded up and placed into a carrying bag and the frame does the same. Unlike the hard shell, the roof rack is eliminated. The folding kayak can be handled by one person alone. Assembly and disassembly is a fifteen minute job. Some of the frame parts are designed to fold up and other parts simply snap together. I watched one demonstrator at an outdoor trade show assemble one in eight minutes. Folding kayaks can be taken on an aircraft in two bags and most will weigh under seventy pounds. Knockdown kayaks are very seaworthy. They are fairly wide in the center where you sit low inside. You are really sitting below the water line. Even if you try you will find it almost impossible to overturn, but it can be done. With the spray skirt attached you will remain dry in the roughest wet weather. Because of the width they are a little harder to paddle than a sea kayak. The shell or outer skin is generally made of two types of material. The top is lighter and will shed water easily. The bottom is made of Kevlar or similar waterproof very tough material. They can bounce off rocks or be hooked against an underwater snag such an old windfall with broken off branches without being punctured. They will withstand an awful lot of abuse. The bow and stern areas are zippered and provide a good place to store camping equipment, tent and backpack. These areas may come equipped with bungee cords so that a backpack could be stored up top if it cannot be stored inside. The seats are made out of the same high tech material as the frames. Most of the folding kayaks are available with rudder systems. You steer with your feet from inside. The rudder is not really necessary in the better kayaks as they track very well. All kayaks work well with the basic two piece paddles that snap together easily. These kayaks are not generally built for speed although they move through the water easily. The better knockdowns are roomy enough for long distance travel. Even back in 1950 they were being paddled across the Atlantic ocean. You might want to use a sail as there are attachments available for that purpose. They do not make the best sail boats but they will help to cover long distances a lot easier. There is something about the little kayak gliding silently through the tight inlets that seems to take the fear of man from the birds and animals that live in these places. Most of the birdlife will stand quietly as you glide past. Try a folding kayak and you will be easily sold. Joe and Irma MacMillan have spent many years backpacking, skiing, and simply enjoying life in the mountains of British Columbia. Their website Whistler Outdoors is full of tips on snowboarding, camping, kayaking, rafting, camp cooking and fishing. They met on a blind date in 1957 and are still married. Take a look at their story here About us
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