Canoe vs kayak: differences, pros & cons
With the words “canoe” and “kayak” are sometimes used interchangeably, so it can be hard to know what separates the two types of paddle craft. At first glance, they share similarities, but there are differences to consider that make each better suited to the individual, vessel, and environment in which they’ll be used.
Let’s take a look at some of the canoe and kayak differences, pros & cons…
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Is it easier to canoe or kayak?
This could be up for some lively debate, but many people think that kayaks are easier to paddle and maneuver through the water, making them beginner-friendly and easier to use than canoes.
Is a kayak or a canoe better for a family?
Canoeing is the often the better choice for a family due it its larger cockpit size. Depending on the size of a canoe, anywhere between two to four people can be accommodated.
Should a beginner start with canoeing or kayaking?
If you’re a new paddler, canoeing is more challenging than kayaking. A kayak’s double paddles allow for easier piloting than a canoe in the water.
Kayak vs canoe: similarities and differences
The similarities:
Both are water vessels
Both have been used for centuries
Both use paddles
The differences:
Where kayaks and canoes differ is what will help you decide what watercraft is best for you and the entire family. Let’s look at the key features of each:
Size and design
Canoes are bigger, longer, and heavier with a wide frame and an open top. Canoes are between 13 to 17 feet long, have tall sides, and sit higher on the water. They’re designed to carry more than one person and more equipment.
Kayaks are smaller boats built for speed. They’re designed to typically carry one person, but there are tandem kayaks built for two. Kayaks are geared more for recreational use on flatwater, open-water sea paddling, or whitewater rapids. When using a kayak, an individual sits lower to the water, so there’s a strong possibility of getting splashed.
Where all canoes are open-top, you have a choice with kayaks: sit-in or sit-on-top.
Overall, kayaks are more versatile – several different types of kayaks suit different needs. Canoes, while offering versatility, are still a little bit one-note in size and where you can go with them.
Seating and comfort
Due to their open-top design and higher sides, a canoe is easier to climb into. Kayaks are a little trickier and take some practice to maneuver into the seat. Maintaining balance is important when getting into a kayak, especially a sit-in.
Most kayaks are built with form-fitting seats with back support, aiding in the comfort on long days on the water. Canoes, because they’re open top, provide more freedom of movement and comfort.
Paddling technique
Canoes take more effort to paddle due to their bulkier design and often require two people. Canoe paddles only have a single blade at one end and a t-shaped handle at the other. Learning to steer a canoe takes a bit longer than a kayak since you have to sync up with a partner to propel through the water.
Kayak paddles have blades on both ends, making it seamless for a single person to cut through the water. The two blades are usually offset at a 90-degree angle to reduce wind resistance and make it easier to get the paddle into position when switching sides.
Stability and maneuverability
Generally, canoes are more stable. The trade-off of stability with a kayak garners better maneuverability and speed through the water.
Canoes offer more stability due to their wide hull, making them harder to tip. Kayak hulls are smaller due to the overall sleeker shape. Less hull means less resistance when paddling.
Moving in a straight line is easier with a kayak than a canoe because of the double-sided paddle. Paddling a canoe is more complicated because a paddler has to shift their body with every stroke of the paddle.
Usability
Both boats can be used for a range of activities, but there are certain pros and cons to consider.
Canoes offer more storage space if you’re bringing along bags, food, equipment, and more than one person. Kayaks will offer only limited storage space and room for one person (unless you choose a two-person tandem kayak).
Kayaks are often considered “adventure” watercraft–some versions are better suited for water with currents and tides while most recreational kayaks are better suited for flat, calmer waters like lakes, ponds, and easy-flowing rivers.
Kayaks are becoming a popular choice for fishing with new technology being released—rod holders, more cargo space, coolers, and even foot pedals.
If you’re deciding which watercraft to purchase, it’s essential to think about how you’re going to transport them. Kayaks are easier to transport due to their smaller size (some even fold up or inflate), while even a bigger vehicle like an SUV can handle only one canoe.
Cargo capability
Canoes win this category with the ability to store more gear. You’ll be able to bring bags, coolers, and camping equipment along with you in a canoe. It’s one of the reasons canoes are extremely popular at summer camps, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts multi-day camping trips, and throughout the Boundary Waters of Minnesota (which is on our travel bucket list, for sure).
Some kayaks do offer more storage than other models—below deck waterproof holds. Most of a kayak’s storage is situated behind where a paddler sits, which can make it challenging to access whatever you may need, but contact your local paddle shop as some models do offer in-front storage capabilities, or ample room in the cockpit for a dry bag of essentials.
Kayak and canoe rental availability and cost comparison
Most rental locations rent out both canoes and kayaks, though you may find more kayaks available due to the sheer popularity of the sport.
A simple good search in your area will pull up exactly what you’re looking for, and each rental location will be able to give you the daily rental cost for a canoe vs. a kayak. Some rental places might even do long-term rentals for the weekend or even an entire season.
If you’re ready to purchase your own canoe or kayak, it’s important to consider the cost of both before making the jump and fully committing to one water sport hobby for you and your family.
Canoes
There are two options when buying a canoe: buying used or new. A used canoe will run you anywhere between $400 to $600. A new canoe will range from $650 to $1500+, depending on the quality, size, and name brand.
If you’re going the used route, be sure to inspect the boat before finalizing your purchase for damage.
Kayaks
The same goes for kayaks, you can buy them used or new. However, it’s important to research how to choose a kayak based on the kind of recreation you’ll be using it for—flatwater, whitewater, open ocean, etc.
Recreational kayaks range from $500 to $1500+
Day touring kayaks range from $1000 to $3000
Fishing kayaks range from $1000 to $5000
Sea kayaks range from $1500 to $5000
Discover more great resources for kayakers in the Pacific Northwest at Flatwater Kayak Club:
Everything you need to know about flatwater kayaking. If you’ve ever asked yourself, what’s the difference between flat water kayaking and whitewater kayaking, wondering the physical and mental health benefits of recreational kayaking, or considered how to get started with this great new hobby, check out this post (one of the most popular on our site!).
How to choose a kayak that’s right for your needs, skill level, and interests – Check out our Ultimate Guide.
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20 breathtaking wildlife species you can observe from a kayak in the Pacific Northwest. Nature lovers, this is the article for you. From incredible orcas to iconic bald eagles, there are plentiful opportunities to safely and ethically enjoy wildlife viewing while kayaking in Oregon and Washington.