Thought to have been in use for at least 4000 years, kayaks are amazing little boats -- and amazingly simple. Capable of holding a single person (or sometimes two), kayaks consist of a hull, a covered deck, and the cockpit in which a kayaker sits. These rugged little boats are designed for all kinds of adventures. Well, perhaps not all kinds of adventures...

The videos below demonstrate some of the best (and worst), and some of the cleverest (and stupidest) stunts anyone has ever attempted in a kayak.

Whale-watching can be an amazing, relaxing experience. It can also be a terrifying, body-crushing experience if a whale decides to breach ... and land on top of you.

Do you know why that seat over there is called "shotgun"? It's because on old-west stage coaches, there was a guy beside the driver who was looking out for him... with a shotgun.

It's okay to catch a nap if you're in the back seat, but if you're riding shotgun, you should be awake -- to keep the driver alert and entertained; to watch for wannabe roadkill; and to help out with navigation and radio tuning.

Too tired for that? Find a rest stop and everyone can grab a refreshing snooze. Or turn the radio up really loud.

Locals are always the best resource for local information, naturally. But an answer is only as good as the question. Don't just ask where the best steak house is, or the best sea food place. Ask something like, "Where would you go for steak if it were your birthday?" or "Where was the most romantic dinner you ever had in this town?"

You'll get something other than the canned answer, and you may get a really great story in the bargain.