Unfortunately, we do not know who invented the first boat. This happened so long ago that those times are called prehistoric. That is, there were no historians then who could learn about this greatest event and write for the edification of posterity. No one even knew how to write back then. So we can only guess how this happened. Modern historians believe that the most ancient people simply sailed on whatever came to hand. For example, on fallen trees. And these days, many people do this: in any village in the summer you can meet boys who are trying to swim across some lake or river in this way. Unfortunately, not everyone succeeds in this... But in ancient times, people did not get into the water for pampering. It was necessary to get food - fish. But she is nimble and slippery - you can’t catch her riding on a tree, and there were no fishing rods and nets then either. Gradually, people realized that if a tree was cleared of branches and hollowed out, it would float faster. This is how the first boats appeared. Swimming on them was quite dangerous: they easily capsized. Try to sit on a kayak without preparation - and then you will understand. But patience and work will grind everything down. Eskimos still sail among the ice on similar vessels - kayaks. And they don't drown. For middle and high school age.