Re: [Paddlewise] Taxonomy

>I am also interested in input regarding a general definition of a kayak


You say;
 "a human powered, portable watercraft;"

so does that mean as soon as you raise a sail or launch a kite the boat
ceases to be a kayak?

"decked over most of its length with a cockpit or cockpits that can be
sealed around the paddler, usually pointed at both ends and propelled with a
paddle."

This description can just as easily be applied to some canoes.

   I think my own definition of "kayak" is more along the lines of;
"a light skin on frame boat designed to be propelled with a paddle by a
person or persons seated beneath the deck." I do not feel that rollability
or even the use of a sprayskirt are necessary to define the boat. And yes, I
do feel that a "true kayak" has to be skin on frame in construction -
everything else is a kayak variant.

Scott
So.Cal.
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