Antarctic Kayak

Current boat name

Antarctic Kayak

Boat class

7192

Function

Type

Canoe

Length (m / ft)

5.64 / 18ft 6in

Present use

NK

Sold at Auction 26 Jul 17 Seal skin covered Iniuit type kayak in poor condition hanging from roof. Kayaks consisting of a light wooden frame (often made from drift wood) covered with sealskins sewn together provided an essential hunting craft for the indigenous peoples living on the fringes of the Arctic sea. Usually single seaters, the paddler used his waterproof sealskin coat to seal himself into the cockpit. In experienced hands these craft were very manoeuverable and could survive being capsized. Sporting Kayaks, copying the Inuit designs but made from modern materials are now common worldwide. This example was built in an Antarctic research Station along Iniut lines as spare time project by D Atkinson. GH Sept 17