Kayak

Kayaks can navigate through still waters, rivers or the sea. Expert practitioners can enjoy thrills and excitement by performing jumps, slalom descents and going at top speed.

Kayaks can navigate through still waters, rivers or the sea. Expert practitioners can enjoy thrills and excitement by performing jumps, slalom descents and going at top speed. However, it is also highly recommended for anyone looking for something a little more relaxing. Kayaks originated in Eskimo lands and are propelled by using a double-bladed paddle very similar to a canoe. In calm waters, it has a rudder that is moved with the feet. There are models for one, two or four people (K1, K2 or K4). In contrast, white-water kayaks have no rudder and the only model seats just one kayaker (K1). There are different styles of kayaking. Rodeo kayaking consists of performing acrobatics in a specific white-water area. The descent is done by moving down a stretch of river at the fastest possible speed. Kayak polo is a ball game played with kayaks and goals in either a pool or in natural waters. Sea kayaking uses boats that are specially designed to resist the impact of the waves and is very well-established along the Catalan coast. All these variations require continuous practice. Beginners should learn the most basic techniques in calm waters. One of the companies that teaches these techniques is Yeti Emotions, headquartered in Llavorsí (El Pallars Sobirà region, Lleida). The 2-hour kayak "baptism" course in calm waters will give first-timers an idea of what it feels like on board one of these boats.