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What can I use a canoe for?

Canoes can be used in competition or recreationally. Whether running rapids, white-water paddling, or simply exploring the lakes, canoes are versatile and offer a fun way to experience the outdoors.

What are the different canoe types?

There are a variety of canoes with different lengths, hull shapes, and construction materials. Solo, two-person, and three-person canoes exist. With three overall types of canoes, each type suits a different purpose:

· Recreational canoes – Recreational canoes are the easiest to control and paddle, tough to flip over, and easy to control for purposes like fishing, birding, photography, and more.

· Multi-purpose canoes – Multi-purpose canoes have more capacity than recreational ones and have greater maneuverability. These canoes can also handle a wider variety of waters and can handle extended trips and bigger loads.

· River canoes – River canoes are ideal for rough waters due to their ability to resist impact. They also have high sides and more curvature.

What should I consider when buying a canoe?

When purchasing a canoe, first consider what you’ll be using it for. Then, look at the length, width, depth, hull shape, rocker (upward curvature), and materials. If you’re planning to use the canoe for a competition or white-water rafting, there are a few extra features you’ll want to consider such as side shape, freeboard, and entry line. Shorter and narrower boats are lighter and easier to maneuver, whereas longer boats are ideal for long touring trips. The shape of the hull will affect stability, turning, and tracking.

What is the difference between a canoe and a kayak?

Canoes are often open top, where rowers sit inside on small benches or kneel instead. Kayaks, on the other hand, are closed deck with a hole in the middle for the rower to sit in and stretch their legs out. Canoeing uses a single-bladed paddle, while kayaking uses a double-bladed paddle.

Is canoeing harder than kayaking?

Canoeing can be more difficult than kayaking due to the single-bladed paddle and having to maneuver a larger and heavier craft. However, kayakers are faster and limit rowers to a single position.

To find everything you need for your next canoeing or kayaking trip such as PFDs, paddles, and more, shop our canoes and kayaks section.