Predating surfing, mankind has always felt the need to both explore and harvest the oceans. The first kayaks (the word means "hunters boat") were built over a thousand years ago by the Inuit people. These were wooden framed vessels with animal skins stretched over them. This basic design varied from region to region but otherwise remained virtually unchanged for hundreds of years. As these amazing covered canoes became known about, people in more southerly latitudes began building them for sport and leisure. Fabric covered kayaks began to appear and were developed further as more versatile construction materials became available. From this venerable pedigree, modern kayaks were born. They are now constructed from safe, durable materials giving them an enviable weight/strength ratio and they boast many new ergonomic and safety features making kayaking a sport for all ages and abilities.