Exploring the Key Differences Between Canoeing and Kayaking

 

Entrepreneur Spencer Schar enjoys kayaking in his spare time, traversing the lakes where he lives, fishing for bass, and immersing himself in the spectacular scenery. This article will compare canoeing and kayaking, exploring the key similarities and differences between them.

Similar in appearance to the untrained eye, canoes and kayaks are both types of boats that are powered by paddling. For the uninitiated, it can be easy to get the two types of vessel mixed up.

A factor that differentiates kayaking and canoeing lies in the way that the paddle is used. While in canoeing the participant uses a single-bladed paddle, kayakers generally use a double-bladed version, culminating in very different paddling techniques between the two sports.

In canoeing, single-bladed paddles are used for long and stable propulsion, minimizing short, sharp movements, making this mode of transport appropriate for families seeking to explore tranquil lakes in comfort. When paddling in a canoe, participants use alternate strokes, placing one hand on the grip and the other on the paddle shaft as they push the blade through the water to propel the vessel forward.

In kayaking, on the other hand, participants use double-bladed paddles, sitting lower than a canoe in a seated position. The double-bladed paddle helps to boost maneuverability, enabling kayakers to zigzag and travel faster through the water than is possible in a canoe. Also ideal for families and friends, kayaking enabling participants to enjoy a range of games with an added element of competition, racing against each other.

While canoes have an open-top design with the rower kneeling or sitting and using a single-bladed paddle, kayaks have a closed deck, with the kayaker seated inside and their legs stretched out in front of them. It is for this reason that canoes are sometimes likened to a people carrier and kayaks to a sports car. While a canoe is ideal for meandering gently downstream, a kayak is more suited to challenging water and competitive conditions.

In terms of clothing and accessories for kayaking and canoeing, there is some overlap. While canoeists tend to wear collared lifejackets, kayakers typically prefer a buoyancy aid that offers enhanced freedom of movement. Both kayakers and canoeists may need to protect their hands, wearing paddling gloves that come in a variety of different weights to suit different water and atmospheric conditions. Whichever discipline the paddler follows, they will need to dress appropriately for the paddling environment, taking into account their likelihood of falling in.