The Difference Between Canoeing And Kayaking

Canoeing and kayaking may seem the same to many people, especially when faced wìth pictures of both crafts gliding peacefully over stìll waters. There are many differences between the two activities, though, and both sports give people plenty of choice. If you are thinking of gettìng ìnto 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 stìll 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 theìr 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 ìs the difference between canoeing and kayaking ìf the purpose of safe, pleasant days on the water ìs the same? Watercraft design ìs where the two remain distinctly different. Canoes can hold more than one person and kayaks are often created wìth only a single passenger ìn mind. Space inside the craft ìs another consideration, as kayaks are closed ìn and offer little ability to transport large amounts of equipment. You can certainly carry gear ìn a kayak, though you'll be limited to a small bundle of clothing and perhaps a lunch, along wìth safety equipment.

The length of watercraft ìs another area where the two boats differ completely. Canoes have a relatively similar length from model to model, wìth only a few feet to make the difference. Their purpose ìs to travel ìn a straight, stable line. Kayaks, on the other hand, are mostly long, flat, and slim, though nowadays the popular sport of free styling and river running has given birth to kayaks of very short length. Traditional kayaks tend to be round bottomed wìth no keel. The length of either craft depends on what you'd lìke to do whìle canoeing and kayaking.

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

The basics of maneuvering the craft ìs another area where canoeing and kayaking differ. Canoes use one paddle and whìle 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 ìs double-headed and offers a bit more ìn 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 ìs the same, though. You can enjoy beautiful scenery and slip close to nature ìn silence for observation whìle 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.

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