The comparison of canoeing vs. kayaking is quite tricky. However, a few key differences between them might help you to differentiate them.
The simple and visible difference between both is the change in the sitting position of the paddler. Some other differences include changes in several parts of both types of boats.
While canoeing and kayaking are both the best entertaining water sports, these are also among the famous Olympic games. Besides being an Olympic sport, both kayaking and canoeing are the best fitness water sport ever.
In this article, we will discuss the differences between kayaking and canoeing. We will observe the benefits and drawbacks of kayaking vs. canoeing from different perspectives. Read the article thoroughly to clear your ambiguities.
Canoeing vs. Kayaking: Overview
You might be shocked to hear that a canoe is the oldest known boat in world history. The canoe was used for the first time by the people of the Netherlands in about 8040 BCE. The oldest ever known canoe is the Pesse Canoe, which also belongs to the Netherlands.
When Europeans started exploring the world, they observed canoes for the first time. The Europeans liked the design and use of canoes. The Europeans made an advanced canoe and named it Kayak, introducing it into the annals of world history.
Canoeing peacefully in smooth waters along with your pet dog gives you a sense of Euphoria. It doesn’t matter if you are in a calm lake or a rushing river. If you are professional, canoeing and kayaking shouldn’t be a problem for you.
Differences Between Canoeing and Kayaking
Differentiating canoeing from kayaking is always a hot topic for beginners. However, professional paddlers know very well the difference among these and also their benefits and drawbacks.
We interviewed several professionals and compiled their views about canoeing and kayaking. Most of the professionals own a kayak as it is pretty expensive to hire a kayak every day. However, for beginners, we recommend not to buy a kayak or a canoe.
Kayaks and canoes are very expensive to buy. Moreover, maintaining the health of a kayak or canoe is also a problem for beginners. Kayaks and canoes require a good room for storage purposes, which is also not easy to afford.
To guide the beginners effectively here, we will explain the differences between kayaking and canoeing. Let’s dive into the details to know more about these.
Difference in Design
The significant difference that even a beginner might know is the difference in the design of both boats. The design may be open or closed. From the open design, we mean that the top of the boat might be open, and the paddler should sit on top of it.
The other design is the set-in, which means that the paddler has to sit inside the boat. Most canoes have an open-top, and you have to sit on top of them. However, kayaks come in both designs, i.e., sit-on-top and sit-in.
Comfort
Generally, canoes are more comfortable than kayaks. As canoes have an open-top, you can sit over it quickly. On the other hand, kayaks may be of a sit-in shape, and you have to get into it. In simple words, you have to wear a kayak every time you take a ride.
Seating
There is also a difference in the way a paddler rides a canoe or a kayak. In a canoe, there is no seat, and the paddler has to sit while kneeling or half-kneeling. However, in a kayak, the paddler sits in a chair and stretches his legs in front of him.
Paddling
The canoe paddle has a single blade, and it is harder to paddle while sitting on top, requiring two paddlers. The paddlers have to dip it into the water on alternate sides of the canoe to move straight.
However, a kayak paddle has two blades that are 90 degrees to each other. A single paddler is enough to move a kayak as the double-bladed paddle makes it easier to paddle.
How Wet Will You Get
The canoes have an open-top, and you have to sit on top of it away from the water. Sitting above the water level reduces the chances of getting wet. On the other hand, most kayaks are sit-in kayaks, so that you might be more vulnerable to water in a kayak.
Stability
According to professional paddlers who are experts in canoeing and kayaking, canoes are more stable than kayaks. Canoes have a wider hull than kayaks, which increases their stability. However, nowadays, the latest kayaks and canoes both have good strength.
In contrast to the higher stability, the kayaks have a higher maneuverability rate than the canoes. Kayaks have a smaller hull than a canoe offering less resistance to water. Less resistance means a higher moving speed of a kayak.
Space for Gear
For storage purposes, canoes have an expansive deck to store a wide variety of camping gear well above the reach of the water. On the other hand, the kayaks are often closer to water, so they are equipped with storage space just behind the cockpit.
The storage portion is often made waterproof in a kayak to avoid the gear from getting wet. However, as the storage space is usually behind the cockpit, it may be difficult for the paddler to reach there while paddling. So, always go for paddling with a proper plan.
When Do You Use a Canoe or a Kayak?
As canoes are harder to paddle, there is more space for multiple paddlers. On the other hand, kayaks often provide space for a single paddler only. If you want to enjoy yourself with friends, we recommend using a canoe for the adventure.
Kayaks are more suitable if you want to go deep water fishing or an adventure into the open water bodies. If you love paddling alone in smooth waters, try kayaks. The Kayaks are easier to move and have a higher maneuverability rate than the canoes.
Tips for Beginners
The debate of kayaking vs. canoeing can not help you to choose which one is best for you. Though you may know the differences between canoeing and kayaking, you still need someone to guide you. Here we have some tips for you before you go paddling.
- If you are a beginner, don’t buy a kayak or a canoe. Hire them from companies.
- Go for the latest technology as it has more features and provides more safety.
- Try to get an inflatable kayak as it is more durable and safer.
- Always take preventive measures such as a life jacket, compass, etc.
- Don’t go to rushing waters on your first day. Start from calm and low waters.
- Get a good instructor for yourself who will tell you about the basic safety rules.
The Benefits
Kayaking and canoeing are getting more and more popular day by day. The reason is its benefits that keep the paddler healthy. Here we have several compiled the benefits of both kayaking and canoeing separately. Check these out and select the best sport for you.
Canoeing
If you want to increase the fitness level of your upper body, you don’t have to join a gym. Just start canoeing, and it is the best aerobic exercise that strengthens your upper body muscles and makes them stiff. Canoeing is best to increase your triceps.
Kayaking
The benefits of both kayaking and canoeing are almost similar. Kayaking is also among the best aerobic exercises, which increases your physical and mental fitness. Kayaking also improves the blood circulation efficiency of your heart. It is better for people with low RBCs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are kayaks canoes?
Do you mean “are kayaks and canoes the same thing”? No, it isn’t. There is a vast difference between a kayak and a canoe. Canoes are more stable, have a low maneuverability rate, and can carry more people than kayaks. Kayaks, on the other hand, are suitable for long trips.
What happens if a kayak flips?
Though kayaks have higher maneuverability than canoes, these are more prone to get flipped due to lower stability. Although the latest kayaks have enough stability to prevent the kayaks from flipping, you have to take preventive measures.
Should you kayak if you can’t swim?
It is better to learn to swim before you go deep water kayaking or canoeing. However, it’s not compulsory. Nowadays, exclusive life jackets provide you protection in case your kayak flips. Moreover, the kayaks are also more stable as compared to those in the past.
How dangerous is canoeing?
If you know swimming, then canoeing should not be a tough challenge for you. However, a canoe is not dangerous as it has more excellent stability that stops it from flipping. Yet, you should take preventive measures such as the use of life jackets and other accessories.
Where should the heavier person sit in a canoe?
As the steering control of the canoe is at its back end, it is better to keep the heaviest person there. It increases the maneuverability of the canoe and also makes the movement easier. Professional canoeists prefer to sit in the stern of the canoe for better control.
Is canoeing difficult?
Learning canoeing is not tricky. However, paddling is quite a difficult task as it requires a lot of energy. Due to this reason, the canoes have space for two or more paddlers to make canoeing easy. Multiple paddlers can make canoeing easy as one may take a rest.
Final Words
The above article is entirely about canoeing vs. kayaking. Both canoeing and kayaking are healthy sports that keep your muscles active. Also, these games are best for peace of mind, as while paddling, a man is close to nature.
Though both canoeing and kayaking are international sports often played at the Olympics, many people still don’t know the difference between the two. Kayaking is like you are wearing a boat and paddling in the waters. However, canoeing is like riding a horse in a rushing river.
Besides having so many advantages, canoeing and kayaking are still very rare to see. If you are also interested in canoeing or kayaking and sharing your experience with us, it would be a pleasure. You are always welcome in the comment section, and feel free to comment.
