The term Kayak refers to what the Eskimos would use. A closed cockpit craft in which they could travel and hunt with. As opposed to Canoeing. This refers to the Indians type of transport. They would hollow out a tree and use it to travel, hunt and as methods of getting to another tribe and fight. However when you read about kayaking (which is what I do) people use the generic name of canoeing. A more common term used these days however is 'boating' or boater. This comes from the terminology Play boating. Play boating is a method of doing what can only be described as acrobatics in a boat on water...its the business.