A kayak...
Is a small, narrow boat which is propelled by means of a double-bladed
paddle. The word kayak originates from the Greenlandic language, where
it is the word qajaq (pronounced [qajaq]). In the UK the term canoe is
often used when referring to a kayak. The traditional kayak has a covered
deck and one or more cockpits, each seating one paddler. The cockpit is
sometimes covered by a spray deck that prevents the entry of water from
waves or spray and makes it possible for suitably skilled kayakers to roll
the kayak: that is, to capsize and right it without it filling with water or
ejecting the paddler.
Some modern boats vary considerably from a traditional design but
still claim the title "kayak", for instance in eliminating the cockpit by
seating the paddler on top of the boat ("sit-on-top" kayaks); having
inflated air chambers surrounding the boat; replacing the single hull by
twin hulls, and replacing paddles with other human-powered propulsion
methods, such as foot-powered rotational propellers and "flippers".
Kayaks are also being sailed, as well as propelled by means of small
electric motors, and even by outboard gas engines.
The kayak was first used by the indigenous Aleut, Inuit, Yupik and
possibly Ainu hunters in subarctic regions of the world.