Kayaks And Canoes – What’s The Difference?

People often confuse kayaks and canoes and in many places around the world there is no difference. Is there a difference and, if so, what is that difference? It’s an interesting question because many people have different views on the subject.

If you feel that kayaks are the long thin river craft while canoes are short squat river craft, you would be wrong. There are many canoes that are long and thin. Are kayaks the sleek fast craft used to run rapids? Not these days. In fact, white water rafting has been around for longer than white water kayaking. Well then, kayaks are covered while canoes are open. Wrong again since either can be covered and either open.

It can be hard to find a definitive answer although when it comes to sporting events, each sport does have set specifications. When it comes to recreational kayaking and canoeing, often it is the manufacturer who states what sort of craft it is. Generally speaking, you can define each as follows:

Kayaks: Kayaks are generally long and narrow and covered. Kayaks are normally paddled using a single double-bladed paddle.With two people paddling, they normally paddle in unison. Kayaks often also come with rudders.

Canoes: Canoes are normally shorter and wider than a kayak and they are generally open. Canoes are normally paddled using a single one-bladed paddle. When two people are paddling, they normally paddle on opposite sides of the boat with the paddler in the stern controlling the steering of the canoe. A distinct difference between some canoes and kayaks is that, in a canoe, the paddler often kneels rather sits. If you’re kneeling, you are in a canoe.

It doesn’t matter whether you are in a canoe or a kayak. Both can be a lot of fun on the water and provide hours of fresh air activities.