Paddlesports of all kinds have come a long way over the last 30 years. As with most sports and activities during the 20^th Century, paddling has increased in both participating rates and accessibility.  Canoeing used to be the paddle sport of choice.  The 1990s ushered in a trend out of canoeing and into kayaking.  Now in this new millennium a similar shift has developed toward standup paddleboarding.


  It is interesting to look back at this evolution of modern paddling from aluminum canoes to plastic kayaks and now to foam paddleboards and ponder what might be next for the sport of paddling.

Ancient Paddling

Open deck paddling boats such as the canoe and umiak are thousands of years old, dating back almost as far as civilization itself.  Olympic.org records the earliest archaeological canoe find as 6000 years old.  There is evidence that an 8000 year old canoe has discovered in China.  It is suggested that kayaks, that is closed deck boats, developed shortly after as a way to venture into rougher waters.  The mammal skins covering the bow and stern of the kayak kept water and waves from collecting in the kayak.  During this and much of history both canoes and kayaks were used as a means of transportation and an aid in both fishing and hunting.

The Birth of Modern Paddling

In the 1800s interest developed in canoeing as a form of recreation, not merely for transportation.  Canoe clubs began to form and in 1866 The Royal Canoe Club held its first regatta in Great Britain.

  Canoeing has served as a staple of outdoor recreation ever since.  Canoes at this time were mainly made of wood.  Then a big moment in the history and evolution of paddling occurred in 1924 when canoeing exhibited at the Olympic Games.  Twelve years later in 1936 flatwater canoe officially became an olympic event now known as Olympic Canoe/Kayak.  

On the recreational side of the sport, aluminum really helped the evolution of paddling during this time.  With the advent of aluminum constructed canoes came increased durability, lighter hulls, and cheaper prices.  In the mid to late 1900’s aluminum canoes were routinely rented at parks alongside rowboats and were a common activity for kids to do while at summer camp.  Every camper and outdoor enthusiast had one also. 

So, while kayaking and canoeing are both centuries old activities, in modern times canoeing was the only paddling most people knew. For much of last century kayaks were fiberglass and had narrow cockpits making them expensive and troublesome for beginners to get into, out of, and keep from flipping.  Kayaking therefore took experience and commitment.

Kayaking Wins the Day

Then along came plastic kayaks in the 1970s, particularly for use in whitewater where the durability was a must.  This next step in the evolution of paddling caused an explosion in whitewater kayaking participation which thrust kayaking into the consciousness of the public. As interest began to peak, plastic kayaks expanded beyond the whitewater genre which paved the way for cheaper recreational versions which were more stable and had larger cockpit openings.  Now anyone could enter and exit a kayak with ease and paddle it around without fear of tipping.  Then to cap it all off came the sit-on-top kayak which completely eliminated the fear of the risks associated with flipping.

From the mid 1990s until this day, kayaking remains the paddlesport of choice.  Perhaps due to the fact that kayaks are primarily paddled by one person and canoes typically are piloted by two people.  At any rate, they have either replaced or are maintained alongside of their canoe counterparts for rental on lakes, rivers, and bays.  To be sure, canoes have their benefits and are still preferred by many.  Serious paddlers will even own both canoes and kayaks at this point.  But kayaks have largely won the day. 

Comfort and Design

From the mid 1990s and into the 2000s some of the main and most impressive improvements in the sports of paddling have taken place on the design side of things. A greater focus turned to ergonomics and comfort.  Contoured and cushioned seats and backrests were added to boats.  Boat design also improved allowing for increased performance and handling.

Standup Paddleboarding Hits the Market

Then around 2005 a new paddlesport was introduced to the United States.  While people undoubtedly stood up on surfboards and shallow canoes and paddled them around, standup paddleboarding is a new addition to the paddling market.  Developed in Maui by Laird Hamilton as a way to catch big waves, SUP is now all over the U.S. anywhere surfing or canoeing and kayaking is found.  They are often rented alongside kayaks and their popularity is picking up steam.

The Future of Paddling

It is difficult to imagine that standup paddleboarding will overtake kayaking in the same way that kayaking largely replaced canoeing.  However, one can’t help but wonder if the same would have been said about kayaking 30 years ago.  Still, the future of paddlesports can’t be done here which offers us much optism for what the future might hold.