For the purist, the kayak links back to the original Eskimo design, yet the term is now applied to an enormous variety of paddle craft. Closed and open decked varieties abound for a variety of purposes, water and climatic conditions. Kayaking is a mainstream recreational pastime, and while the choices are overwhelming, there will be a craft to suit most every person's needs whether it be for fishing, adventure touring, surfing, diving or general recreation.

Originating from surfboard paddling and popularized during the founding years of surfing in the Hawaiian Islands. Tom Blake in 1926 took the sport to a new level of performance, creating a purpose built hollow paddle board 50lbs lighter than boards of the time, with square rails and narrow tail. At the 1930 Waikiki Surfboard Paddling Championship, Tom smashed the record by near three minutes creating a catalyst for the development of the sport.

Contemporary outrigger canoeing racing in Hawaii, aspired to prominence during the 1920's and was formalised during the 1950's. Since the 1980s the sport has spread in popularity. Six person team racing, four person surfing canoes, double and single person outrigger canoeing is now a rapidly growing hard-core technical ocean sport.

Considered the fastest of all human powered craft, the surfski is a tropical racing derivation of the sea kayak. You sit on top, not in it and the aim is to go places fast and preferably down wind, harnessing the energy of wind and water. Sleek and simple in design, these thoroughbreds attract go fast individuals who enjoy pushing themselves and their gear to the limits.

The Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association's mission is 'To revive, learn, educate and practice the ancient Hawaiian skills and values as they relate to the Hawaiian sailing canoe and it's culture. Canoe sailing is an intense and thrilling sport combining wind and water using ancient skills and simple equipment by comparison with contemporary sailing craft.

Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association

Check out a short video on canoe sailing in Tahiti.