Canoeing and kayaking are the most fascinating sports or hobbies in the world. In this post, we are trying to cover 7 Interesting Facts About Canoeing Vs Kayaking. Hope you will gain a piece of proper knowledge. This article is arranged with answers to all the questions that come to your mind. In the underneath, you can understand which one is better for you.
If you are a nature lover or you hope to explore the serenity or the various forms of nature, then the softness of the sea will take you to the gamble of that joy. You can play with the current in the ocean, with kayaks or canoes, without any noise. It’s not just a game but an exercise. This game. Through it, you will be able to meet new people who are water-lovers just like you.
In the world of water sports, Canoeing Vs Kayaking is a very old debate. People have their own choices on these two fun water sports. Beginners might confuse the two for the same thing sometimes but there are quite a few distinctive features between these two water sports.
There are different uses and functions of the two that make kayaking vs canoeing perform differently in different situations. They also differ in terms of choice and structure.
Diving deep into the question of which one to choose for your needs, here are the differences between the two.
Basic Structure [Canoeing]
Canoes are designed with open cockpits. They have long sides and a wide hull. The appearance is much similar to that of a rowboat. Canoes mostly have benches on each side where the canoeist sits. To stir it a single-sided paddle is used.
There are three main categories of canoes. These are,
- Recreational canoes
- Racing canoes
- Whitewater canoes
Canoes range from 13 to 17 feet long. The general width for a 16 feet long canoe would be roughly 37 inches or 94 cm in width.
Basic Structure [Kayaking]
Kayaks are primarily made with closed-top designs with a slicker and smaller hull. Kayaks have a hole in their bodies on the top side. This hole is used by the kayaker to get into the kayak. Kayaks have two categories depending on the position of the seat. These seats can be raised with extra gear according to the kayaker’s needs.
- Seat on top kayak [SOT]
- Set inside kayak [SIK]
In SOT kayaks the kayaker does not have to slide their feet inside the closed compartment of the hull of the kayak. Rather they just get on the kayak and sit on it just as the name suggests. SDKs on the other hand are traditional where the kayaker sits inside the kayak.
Based on other functionalities there are three more categories of kayaks. These are,
- White water kayaks
- Touring or sea kayaks
- Canoe kayak hybrids
Kayaks can be from 6 to 16 feet long but on average most are 10 feet long. The widths of kayaks range from 25–28 inches on average. The difference in length plays a big role when gaining speed. It is due to the length-to-width ratio of the kayak.
Kayaks have rockers which means that the hull on the front of the kayak is lifted upwards from the water. That reduces the area of the hull in contact with the water.
Difference Between Kayaking and Canoeing
1. Stability
When we compare the stability while kayaking vs canoeing we have to consider where it is floating.
Canoes have wider hulls which means more area is in contact with the water surface. This makes them very stable in still waters. While kayaks have smaller hull areas thus they are comparably less stable.
In extreme waves, canoes suffer much. While kayaks can move better in those conditions comparably.
In the case of wind, canoes are more affected by it because they have a large body that stays higher up from the water. Meanwhile, a kayak floats closer to the water surface thus they are less affected by wind change.
2. Speed And Control
A beginner kayaker reaches speeds of 2–2.25 knots/hour but an experienced kayaker can reach up to 3 knots per/hour in still water. Canoes on the other hand reach speed of 1.8–2.6 knots per hour depending on the level of experience of the canoeist
The key is the slim design of the kayak. The smaller the hull is, the less resistance it has to overcome. As canoes have a larger hull area it means that it has to go through more resistance. Thus the stability of the canoe is bought at the price of its speed.
While solo paddling, it is easier for a kayaker than a canoeist to gain speed.
Kayaks also provide greater maneuverability with less effort. Canoes can also be maneuvered quite well but it requires more effort.
3. Portability
You can transport a kayak or a canoe using a cart. For longer distances, you can tie the canoe or the kayak to the roof of your car. It is possible to carry multiple kayaks in a single car but most cars are wide enough for only one canoe.
Both kayaks and canoes can be carried by two or even a single person. But on multi-day trips, carrying a canoe would be easier than a kayak. This is especially true for multi-day tours.
4. Safety
Canoeing Vs Kayaking is both made with the factor of safety in mind. They are pretty secure but even so, there are cases where emergencies appear.
It is rare for a canoe to flip in still water. Rater even to flip a canoe willingly would take significant effort. So on still water, if the canoeist is careful, a canoe seldom topples over.
Kayaks have a much slimmer hull so it is possible to topple them on the sides. But with a little practice, this also becomes a problem of the past.
Assuming cases where they both do flip over due to any unforeseen circumstances there would be two different scenarios.
If you are in a canoe that has flipped over then water will be rushing in it fast and you cannot hope to flip it back staying in deep water. This can pose a threat, but the canoe and even topples should float so you can hold on to it.
Kayaks on the other hand can be flipped right back up. This can even be done without leaving the kayak. This safety skill is also known as the Eskimo roll.
To perform it you have to have your paddle parallel to your kayak at the moment of flipping. Then while underwater, simply raise your paddle as much as you can to the surface and then use your hips to thrust your body upwards. If done correctly, you can get back on the surface within 5 seconds.
5. Learning Curve
Even though they are both paddle vehicles, the process and time of learning canoeing vs kayaking can differ much.
It is easier to learn the basics of kayaking but as time progresses things get harder. Mastering kayaking can take a long time. But it is a very good choice for beginners.
A beginner kayaker has to just learn to balance himself, learn to get in and out, a few strokes and he is ready to begin his journey.
As canoes use a one-sided paddle thus there needs to be a second person to help a beginner by paddling on the other side.
Even then if they are not in sync the canoe can keep going in circles. Learning to paddle a canoe all by oneself takes sufficient practice.
There are lots of pros and cons about canoe vs kayak. If you want to know elaborately, feel free to visit here
