Kayaking involves using a Kayak which is a narrow boat propelled by a double-bladed paddle to move across the water. Canoes and kayaks have some similarities in size and shape; however, a canoe uses a single-blade paddle, unlike the kayaks. A kayak is the equivalent of a sports car as it is versatile with a covered deck, while a canoe, on the other hand, has an open deck.
You can tell kayaking and canoeing apart based on a few factors.
People using kayaks face the front with their legs stretched, while those on the canoe will sit or kneel in the canoe. They will then wedge their knee on the rim for stability.
Kayaking is mainly a sport, but canoeing may be used for sports and by families or friends for leisure movement on the water. In some areas, canoes are a means of transport from a water body such as a river to land. Both kayaking and canoeing are available as sports in various leagues, for example, in Olympics.
Kayaking uses a double blade since they are faster, and the kayakers want maximum speed. They need top speed because they are kayaking for practice or are in a competition. Canoers use a single-blade paddle as they do not require high speed.
Canoeing is much more complex than kayaking because of the canoe’s build. Canoes are heavier, and the paddle is less versatile, making it harder to make turns. Kayaking is much easier because the double blade paddle increases their speed, making it easier to navigate rivers and their changing features, such as rapids and fast-moving water.
Though kayaks are faster and easy to maneuver, they flip more easily than canoes. Canoes are broader, making them more stable than kayaks and reducing their chances of instability. It is important to keep in mind the kayak’s instability when you decide to go for either.
Various factors can help you determine if kayaking is better than canoeing.
People have been canoeing for ages with little to no training, leading people to imagine it is easy to go out without any training. But in the real sense, both kayaking and canoeing call for thorough training before embarking on either. While kayaking is easier for beginners, it is imperative to master how to maneuver challenging situations.
While choosing between Kayaking and Canoeing, you should consider the type of waterway. You are bound to get wet in both vessels in rough water, but you will be drier in a kayak than in a canoe in calm water. Kayaks have a closed cockpit that keeps the water away; however, it is always advisable to carry a bilge pump.
Depending on the purpose of your trip, you can decide to use either a kayak or canoe (https://www.muchbetteradventures.com/magazine/canoe-vs-kayak-whats-the-difference/). For example, if going on a camping trip with friends or family, you might consider canoeing. The decision to use a canoe is dependent on the fact that it has a bigger space which you can use to carry supplies you may need for the trip.
What should you do if your kayak or canoe flips?
If your vessel flips, you shouldn’t panic, as you can easily overturn it. Once you flip it back, you need to ensure that there is no water inside it. If you don’t know how to swim, you can stand on top of the flipped vessel to gather your thoughts on how you can attempt to raise it back.
The task you wish to perform will determine the decision to use either a kayak or a Canoe. Both do well in water sports. If you will be in rough waters, a kayak is ideal because it is easy to navigate, while for calm water, a canoe would come in handy.