Canoeing And Kayaking – Understanding The Differences

Canoeing and kayaking may seem the same to many people, especially when faced with pictures of both crafts gliding peacefully over still waters. There are many differences between the two activities, though, and both sports give people plenty of choice. If you are thinking of getting into canoeing or kayaking for a new form of exercise or as a way to relax, here are some considerations about craft design and purpose.

Longer, more stable kayaks have closed the gap between canoeing and kayaking as a tranquil activity. While there are still certainly plenty of whitewater river kayaks on the market, more and more stores are offering white water kayaks designed for long-distance trips that involve little or no rapid descent. The whitewater canoe has remained relatively true to their original design, though many manufacturers are offering models that are wider (thus less tippy) and that have better storage space or seating.

So just what is the difference between canoeing and kayaking if the purpose of safe, pleasant days on the water is the same? Watercraft design is where the two remain distinctly different. Canoes can hold more than one person and kayaks are often created with only a single passenger in mind. Space inside the craft is another consideration, as kayaks are closed in and offer little ability to transport large amounts of equipment. You can certainly carry gear in a kayak, though you’ll be limited to a small bundle of clothing and perhaps a lunch, along with safety equipment.

The length of your boat affects the activities you’ll be able to do while canoeing and kayaking. Most canoes are long and designed to travel in a straight line. Longer versions are for more than one people or transporting gear and equipment across the water. Traditional kayaks are also very long but have no keel underneath. Today’s kayaks vary widely in length, though, some being so short that they’re only long enough to contain their passenger. Depending on the type of canoeing and kayaking you’ll be doing, length is a big factor in your choice of boat.

Getting in and out of either watercraft is completely different. Since kayaks are enclosed with only a small, round opening, the passenger must manage to hold the sides of the craft while slipping his or her legs into the kayak. The same goes for slipping out. Managing to stay near shore and not tip the kayak while embarking or disembarking from a kayak can be quite a feat to accomplish. A canoe is much simpler, as all that’s involved is stepping in to the watercraft and sitting down or stepping out to shore.

The basics of maneuvering the craft is another area where canoeing and kayaking differ. Canoes use one paddle and while many of the ways to paddle are similar to the manner of paddling a kayak, handling the paddle itself may involve a bit more manipulation. A kayak’s paddle is double-headed and offers a bit more in the way of movements and speed though using the paddle needs a bit of ambidexterity. Both types of paddling require training to move effectively through the water.

The end result of canoeing and kayaking is the same, though. You can enjoy beautiful scenery and slip close to nature in silence for observation while canoeing and kayaking. Which type of watercraft you choose depends mainly on your needs and what you feel you’ll be best able to handle.

By Sports Info Editor

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