Canoe vs. Kayak – If you’re new to watersports, you would likely be facing some difficulties understanding the differences between a canoe and a kayak. While they’re both great for taking your water adventures to the next level, and they even look similar to a significant extent, there are quite a handful of distinctions to know about. Ultimately, these dissimilarities might even play a huge role in deciding what your choice of vessel should be.
To help you out, we’ve listed down the primary canoe vs. kayak differences in this blog post so that you can make an informed choice between the two of them!
1- Structure
Canoes are usually designed with pointed ends from the back and the front. Contrarily, kayaks are rounder in shape. Plus, canoes are open-deck boats that are far more spacious than the close-decked kayaks. The latter only has a single hole in the middle for the rower to sit in.
2- Paddles
Another one of the most evident differences between a canoe and a kayak is paddle handling. While pilots use a single-bladed paddle when rowing a canoe, kayakers use double-bladed paddles to navigate through the waters. It’s essential to use the respective paddles since they cause the vessels to move differently due to distinct boat structures.
3- Sitting Position
In a canoe, the rower has to kneel on one or both knees inside the vessel while holding on to the single-bladed paddle. There might even be a bench in some canoes where the paddler can sit with a ninety-degree angle to their knees. On the other hand, kayakers sit on a low seat inside the vessel with their legs stretched out in the front.
4- Weight
Canoes are relatively heavier and wider than kayaks in weight and structure, which means they consume more space compared to kayaks when out on the water.
5- Speed and Stability
Kayaks are generally designed to be faster and easier to handle than canoes because of their smaller size and lightweight structure. However, when in a professional paddler’s hands, canoes can often match the same speed as kayaks. Nevertheless, while kayaks are faster in most cases, canoes are known for greater roominess and stability.
6- Safety Measures
Lastly, when contemplating the canoe vs. kayak features, it’s best not to forget about the safety measures. Because the canoe’s inside is open, it is comparatively easier for the water to get in. However, they also have higher sides so that you can remain relatively protected from water splashes while paddling.
Contrarily, since kayaks tend to be close-decked, there are negligible chances for the water to get into the boat. However, because they are also built lower, and it is not easy to get the accumulated water out of the boat, most kayakers prefer using a spray skirt while out on the water.
Lastly, kayaks can capsize way more easily than canoes since they are lightweight and smaller in size. However, this also makes it easier for the paddlers to turn the kayak over in case of a capsize, compared to canoes.
After learning the basic differences between a canoe and a kayak, you’re ready! Now it’s time to pick out your personal watercraft. Moreover, if you’re looking for a quality dock to install on your waterfront property, EZ Dock Texas has got you covered! Check out the best floating docks, or give us a call at (800) 654-8168 to contact our team for further information!
