Canoeing and Kayaking History
The earliest known archaeological evidence of a canoe was unearthed at the tomb of a Sumerian king near the Euphrates River, believed to be about 6000 years old.
Later, natives of many cultures, such as South and North American Indians, used canoes as a mode of transport, fishing and battle. Eskimos used a similar kayak. The original canoes and kayaks were propelled through the water by single-bladed paddles, usually made out of wood.
native American in a canoeIn the 19th century, British barrister John MacGregor studied the ancient kayaks, and then designed a similar boat which he took to the rivers and lakes of Europe's wilderness. He went on to found the Royal Canoe Club, with the first canoe regatta held in 1866.
Related Pages
- More about Kayaking and Canoeing
- History of Sports
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