Define Kayak

An interesting question came up (well, came up AGAIN) regarding what is defined as acceptable watercraft for AOTY.

The AOTY committee has been debating it, but are struggling with a definition that is clear.  One of the wrenches thrown in this whole thing are that there is a fine line between kayaks and canoes.  In fact, we can't figure out where that line is, especially given the numerous kayak/canoe hybrids on the market.  There are even canoe/kayak/rowboat hybrids.  And now, inflatable "kayaks".

Let me throw out some examples.

WS Commander.  Canoe or Kayak?





Native Ultimate.  Canoe or Kayak?





NuCanoe.  Canoe, Kayak, Boat?





NuCanoe with oar kit?  What is it now?




Alpaca Raft?





Thoughts?  Feedback?  Expletives?

-Allen

Don't forget the Pro Angler.

I've often wondered where the line was drawn for the AOTY "kayak".  It seems like "human powered watercraft" fits better.  (except this would include float tubes, pontoons, ect.)

Don't forget the Pro Angler.

I've often wondered where the line was drawn for the AOTY "kayak".  It seems like "human powered watercraft" fits better.  (except this would include float tubes, pontoons, ect.)

Human powered would also include rowboats and driftboats.  I don't think we want that.  These are easily defined by the method of propulsion ... 2 oars!

-Allen

It is a tough question and a very slippery slope.  Here are few more I wonder about.  For the record I'm an Adventure owner and thinking seriously about a PA. 

Looks more like a Cat than a kayak.  If a sail is an unfair advantage aren't amas, and for that matter how about pedal drive using the same criteria?   



Small boat or a kayak?  Should you be able to stand up in a kayak?



SUP you sit on or a Kayak you SUP on?

I personally think TI and AI fall into the outrigger canoe category.  But I'm ok with Canoes being part of the contest.  And as for PAs, Allen pointed out that they might be marketed as "boats" just so that more Bass fishermen will consider buying them.  Seems like a kayak to me though.  Then again, one could question the whole mirage drive system as being a kayak, although excluding mirage drives would pretty much kill AOTY participation.

   Let me think----I have an Outback,a Native Ultimate,and my Mini-drifter.And i like to fish out of all of them.They each have their special places.
    Perhaps method of propulsion should be the critieria (spelled wrong) that detirmines the craft---single paddle or oar,double bladed paddle only,a pair of oars,an electric motor,a Mirage drive ?
    I don't have the answer---just throwing out thoughts..............


   Nothing is simple in life..........not even death.

Defining a kayak is like defining Porn, you know it when you see it. 

I have a packraft and its not a kayak in any way, its a shrunk down bare bones single seat raft, I also have an old aluminum 18ft Grumman canoe, not a kayak either.. I have a PA12 and recently sold my Outbacks, I could hardly look a Eskimo in the eye and call them true/traditional kayaks. It's all in the eye of the user..  I do think using sails or oars shouldn't fit the definition.

 Perhaps we just need a running list of watercraft that everyone agrees fits what the kayak fishing community accepts as a "kayak".  Even lump them by brands so as not to get to nit picky.  If theres some doubt, the angler presents their kayak/point of view and the AOTY participants vote. Review any red flags at the beginning of each season and the list grows and changes with kayak design and the sport.   

Defining a kayak is like defining Porn, you know it when you see it. 

I have a packraft and its not a kayak in any way, its a shrunk down bare bones single seat raft, I also have an old aluminum 18ft Grumman canoe, not a kayak either.. I have a PA12 and recently sold my Outbacks, I could hardly look a Eskimo in the eye and call them true/traditional kayaks.  I do think using sails or oars shouldn't fit the definition either.

 Perhaps we just need a running list of watercraft that everyone agrees fits what the kayak fishing community accepts as a "kayak".  Even lump them by brands so as not to get to nit picky.  If theres some doubt, the angler presents their kayak/point of view and the AOTY participants vote. Review any red flags at the beginning of each season and the list grows and changes with kayak design and the sport.

Yeah, I've been leaning toward a list.  Granted that list would never be all inclusive, so if it's not on the list, one would have to ask beforehand.

-Allen

What are these?

-Allen

SUP you sit on or a Kayak you SUP on?

Yeah, I forgot about SOTs and SOT/Kayak hybrids.   Grrr ...

-Allen

What are these?

-Allen

   Floats 

I hate using wikipedia as a source but the first paragraph sounds pretty good.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kayaking

What are these?

-Allen

Imperial Tie Fighter class catayaks

I hate using wikipedia as a source but the first paragraph sounds pretty good.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kayaking

Hah!  I was just thinking pretty much exactly the same thing ... seated position with legs extended out front using a double bladed paddle or leg driven propulsion system (Mirage drive or others).

-Allen

I hate using wikipedia as a source but the first paragraph sounds pretty good.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kayaking

Hah!  I was just thinking pretty much exactly the same thing ... seated position with legs extended out front using a double bladed paddle or leg driven propulsion system (Mirage drive or others).

-Allen

Of course that doesn't rule out these.

-Allen