Canoe Vs Kayak: What’s the Difference?

The age-old question, what is the difference between a canoe and a kayak? For those who are starting out on their paddling journey, the terms canoe (think duelling banjos) and kayak (think eskimo) in many cases have the same meaning. In the following article we will discuss the differences between the two types of craft, the advantages and disadvantages of one over the other and the things you should consider when you are looking to start your paddling adventure.

Key Differences:

Understand the differences so you can choose the right one for your paddling adventures.

1. Design and Structure

• Canoes:

  Canoes are large, open decked crafts fitted with bench style seats where the paddler sits well above the surface of the water. Canoes are both heavier and larger than kayaks which means they have plenty of storage space but can be difficult to store and transport. Canoes are better suited to inland waterways (lakes, canals etc) but can also be used in sheltered saltwater environments. They are great for multi-day and overnight trips whether solo or with the whole family. Canoes are made from a wide variety of materials including plastic, plywood, fibreglass, carbon fibre and even aluminium.

  

• Kayaks:

  Kayaks are smaller, closed deck craft usually for one or sometimes two paddlers. They are generally narrower and lighter than canoes making them both quicker and more agile than canoes.

  Paddlers sit in an enclosed cockpit, close to the surface of the water. Kayaks are usually easier to transport than canoes owing to their lighter weight. There are many different types of kayaks to suit different water conditions. From expedition sea kayaks to whitewater kayaks to  and everything in between.

  Sit-On-Top kayaks are something of a hybrid between a kayak and a canoe. The paddler sits on top of the kayak which does not feature a closed cockpit.

  Kayaks are also made from a wide variety of materials with plastic being the most commonly used.

  

2. Paddling Technique

• Canoes:

  The most easily noticeable difference between canoes and kayaks is the type of paddle that is used. Canoes are propelled with a single blade paddle while kayaks are propelled by a double bladed paddle.

  When paddling a canoe solo, the paddler uses special techniques to allow them to paddle in a straight line while only paddling on one side of the canoe. This technique is known as the J-stroke. When there are two paddlers in a canoe, they can both paddle on different sides and the canoe will move in a straight line.

  

• Kayaks:

  When paddling a kayak, the paddle is used evenly on each side of the kayak. The paddler puts the paddle into the water, close to their feet and and will take it out when the blade reaches their hips. The paddle blades are at offset angles on the paddle shaft which allows the blade that is out of the water to slice through the air, reducing wind resistance. The paddler uses a twisting technique with their hands to rotate the blade to the correct angle when putting it in the water.

  

3. Stability and Speed

• Canoes:

  Canoes offer an extremely stable platform to get on the water. They are very wide and feature flat hull shapes that help to prevent capsizes. The trade off for stability is that canoes are slower than kayaks and require more effort from the paddler to move them through the water due to their weight. Lightweight canoes produced from composite materials are much easier to push through the water and are capable of similar speeds as recreational kayaks.

  

• Kayaks:

  Kayaks are narrower than canoes and in general are less stable. Kayaks typically weigh around half the weight of a canoe meaning they are far easier to push through the water. Their short length also makes them more manoeuvrable. Kayak stability and speed varies dramatically depending on the type of kayak, short whitewater kayaks are very manoeuvrable and stable but quite slow, whilst long touring and sea kayaks or racing kayaks are more unstable but much quicker in a straight line.

  

Canoe vs Kayak for Different Activities

Recreational Paddling

Recreational kayaks are stable, easy to use kayaks that are usually between 250cm-350cm long. They can be sit-in or sit-on-top and are perfect for paddling solo, in small groups and for taking shorter trips. Kayaks can be used on any type of water and are better suited to sea paddling compared to canoes as they are much easier to control in the wind.

Canoes provide a great platform for taking the whole family on the water or exploring inland waterways. If you want to stay dry and don’t fancy donning a wetsuit then a canoe is a great choice.

Kayak Fishing

Fishing with a kayak has grown in popularity in recent years with specialised models coming available which are super stable and can be retrofitted with all kinds of fishing equipment. Fishing  specific kayaks will in some cases be wide enough for stand up fly fishing and are much more capable for sea water fishing. Fishing kayaks are almost exclusively sit-on-top.

For inland fishing on lakes or sheltered estuaries, a canoe is a great option. Canoes have plenty of space to store equipment and have a comfortable high seating position providing a great vantage point and extra comfort for long days on the water. They are also a social way to fish as two seater models allow you to bring family or friends along.

Whitewater & Extreme Sports

For whitewater paddling a kayak is the preferred option. Whitewater kayaks are highly manoeuvrable, extremely durable and are designed to take on rigorous whitewater with rapids and waterfalls. Whitewater kayaks are designed to provide the maximum paddler safety in extreme environments.

It is possible to take a canoe on whitewater but this is generally reserved for more sedate rivers with small rapids and little drops. Whitewater canoes are shorter than touring or recreational canoes and feature much more ’rocker’ (this is the hull curvature from front to back when viewed from the side).

Long-Distance Touring

Long distance trips are where canoes come into their own. Load up your camping gear, grab a buddy and hit the water for a multi-day adventure. With plenty of storage space, comfortable seating and the freedom to move around, a canoe is the SUV of the paddle world.

When looking to kayak long distances, most paddlers opt for a sea kayak. Sea kayaks are long, narrow kayaks with plenty of storage space for overnight kit accessed via watertight hatches in the deck. Sea kayaks come in single and double seater types, they are faster than canoes but much less stable.

Which Canoe or Kayak is Best for Beginners?

It is hard to say what the best option for beginners is as canoes and kayaks both have features that make them great for beginners. The most important question is what you plan to do and where you plan to go on the water. A kayak can be paddled by anyone after a few minutes of practice but it can take a couple of sessions to get to grips with paddling a canoe, particularly if paddling solo.

Sit-on-top kayaks are the most popular choice for beginners, they are safe, easy to use and very durable. If you are looking to paddle at the beach, catch a few waves or just get on your local waterway then a sit on top is absolutely ideal. For calm trips on a lake or canal on warm days or for doing overnight camping trips with the family a canoe is a great option.

What Equipment Do I Need For Canoeing or Kayaking?

There is any amount of equipment that you can buy when getting started in canoeing or kayaking but the four things you really need are a canoe/kayak, a paddle, a Buoyancy Aid(PFD - personal flotation device) and a waterproof case for your phone. As time goes on you may want to purchase more equipment depending on your needs. If you have a long walk to the water you might invest in a caddy trolley so you don’t have to carry your kayak.

Choose A Canoe or a Kayak

When shopping for a canoe or kayak, take a trip to your local retailer and seek advice on the type of craft that best suits your needs. It is easy to get overwhelmed by the range of options available but the best canoe or kayak for you will be the one that allows you to get on the water in safety and comfort. Most good retailers have demo boats that are available for testing so make sure to try before you buy where possible.

Paddle

Paddles are often overlooked in the level of importance when buying your first canoe or kayak but getting the right paddle for your body size and for the type of paddling you want to do will make a big difference. Recreation and touring paddles are usually long with narrow, small blades. Whitewater paddles are shorter in length but have larger, wider blades. Paddles are made from plastic, aluminium, fibreglass, carbon fibre and even wood. Talk to us about the best paddle option when purchasing your new canoe or kayak. Here at the Canoe Centre we carry a range of demo paddles so you can try out different styles and pick a paddle that works for you.

Helmet - necessary for all canoeing or kayaking?

Helmets are not necessary for all types of kayaking but they are a must have for whitewater and are highly recommended for surf kayaking or when sea kayaking in shallow and rocky areas. As a general rule if you are paddling in moving water you should be wearing a helmet.

When paddling sit-on-top kayaks or open canoes on flat water a helmet is not required as you are unlikely to end up in the water. Helmets come in a wide variety of styles and sizes, and just like bicycle or any other helmets it is best to try them on to determine the best fit. All of our helmets are CE rated for use in the water with varying levels of adjustability and features. We also stock a range of kayaking helmets for kids. 

PFD / Buoyancy Aid

A personal flotation device (PFD) or Buoyancy Aid should always be worn when canoeing or kayaking. A buoyancy aid will help to keep you afloat should you fall in the water. Buoyancy aids shouldn’t be confused with life jackets which will keep you floating on your back should you fall in the water. Buoyancy aids are the PFD of choice for kayakers as they provide the maximum freedom of movement. Whitewater PFD’s feature larger volumes of foam for extra flotation while touring PFD's and recreation PFD’s usually feature big pockets for water bladders, radios etc.

Watersport Clothing - wetsuit, dry top, footwear, etc.

The type of clothing you wear on the water will generally be dictated by the type of paddling you want to do. Most paddlers start out with a wetsuit, neoprene booties and a cag (waterproof jacket). These pieces of clothing can be used whether canoeing or kayaking. Kayakers will usually have an extra piece of equipment called a spraydeck. The spraydeck is fitted around your waist and covers the open area of the cockpit to prevent water getting in.

After a buoyancy aid, a wetsuit is the next item that most paddlers buy when they start out. Wetsuits are made from neoprene, they allow a small amount of water in between your skin and the suit which is then warmed by your body temperature. For winter and cold weather paddling, many paddlers will choose to wear a drysuit which keeps you completely dry even if you fall into the water.

Safety Equipment - Phone with waterproof case, small first aid kit

A waterproof case that allows you to take your phone on the water without the risk of it getting wet is the final must-have piece of kit for starting your paddling adventure.

Many paddlers choose to carry a dry bag with some spare clothes, a snack, water and some cash in case of emergencies. The safety equipment you carry with you is dependent on how far you are going and the type of conditions.

Conclusion:

We hope this guide has given you a basic understanding of the main difference between canoes and kayaks, why you might choose one over the other and what other equipment you will need to get started on your paddling adventure.

If you still aren’t sure what might suit you best or are even more confused after reading this article, our expert staff are on hand to answer any question you might have. You can email us at sales@canoecentre.ie, send us a WhatsApp message or just pick up the phone and give us a call on +353 1 626 4363 to have a regular old conversation with a real person!

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