In each country, the distinction between these sports varies, and for many, all three terms are considered the same thing. We’re basing this on how things are in our country and what we call them here.
Differences Between Kayak and Canoe
As mentioned earlier, both terms refer to a paddle boat, but they do have some key differences worth noting.
The Canoe
This is a much heavier and wider vessel than a kayak. Historically used by tribes for river transport, the posture is more upright than in a kayak, and you sit higher above the water, making balance trickier.
You either kneel or sit, and the paddle has a single blade. It can be made from any material, though traditionally they were wooden, which is why they’re used for calm journeys. If you’re keen to try this fantastic sport, check out all these options.
The Kayak
In contrast, the kayak has a more sporty and narrow design, and the paddler sits with legs stretched forward, closer to the water in a dedicated cockpit (which can fit multiple paddlers), while the rest of the boat is covered. This means much better stability!
The paddler uses a double-bladed paddle to propel through the water. This is because the water conditions where kayaks are typically used—such as whitewater rafting—are more turbulent and fast-paced. They’re often used for more extreme sports.
If you’re up for an adventure in this type of craft, we recommend these companies. For the boldest explorers!
To give you a clearer idea, here’s a video:
To sum up and keep it simple:
Kayak: A narrower paddle boat requiring a double-bladed paddle, designed for rougher waters.
Canoe: A wider paddle boat requiring a single-bladed paddle, designed for calm trips.
That said, many experts argue that a paddle boat is simply a canoe without a rudder. As you can see, opinions vary—you might see kayaks paddled with one blade or canoes with two (more common). Our advice? It doesn’t matter what you’re paddling, because the experience is what truly counts, and both are absolutely EPIC.
What do you think?
