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Harpoon Thrower

Preview a hunter throws a harpoon from the cockpit of his kayak
(Smithsonian Institution)

The best weapons to use in a kayak were darts and harpoons. Bows were easily damaged when wet and were best left for hunting on land. Many harpoons included a throwing stick that increased the range and force. At the end of the line was often an inflated bladder that kept the line afloat and tired the targeted animal.