KAYAK VS CANOE: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THESE TWO?

Kayak vs canoe: which one is better? To choose your preferred way of moving on the water here is all you need to know about the difference between kayak vs. canoe!

Well, both are waterborne vessels that have been used for thousands of years. If you learn to use one, you will know how to use the other. Both kayak and canoe use paddles. Both can help you in a lake, sea, ocean, or water. Some prefer kayaking, while others canoeing. To know which one suits you the best, I suggest trying them both!

Even though both look alike, there is a significant difference between a kayak and a canoe. You see, the boats look different. Also, the gear is different. Even their history is quite different. However, not many people know the actual difference. Thus, this article will help you to learn the difference of kayak vs canoe.

The main difference between a canoe and a kayak is in the vessel you will use.

Also, canoes tend to have open tops. There are small benches inside the canoe. You also have a single-bladed paddle. On the contrary, kayaks are closed-deck, and they have a hole in the middle. That hole helps the pilot to climb into and sit. The kayaker sits in the kayak with their legs stretched out in front of them. Also, he or she propels themselves forwards or backward, but also left or right using a double-bladed paddle. There is also a small difference in which area you are kayaking. For example, Adriatic Sea kayaking differs from Uvac lake kayaking or river Neretva kayak safari. Usually, sea and river kayaking is more challenging than lake one because lake is a water that does not move, while sea and river are moving waters.

Kayak: Closed deck boat, seated position with legs stretched out, double-bladed paddle.

Canoe: Usually open deck boat, seated or kneeling rowing position, one-bladed paddle.

In another sense, a canoe has an open top. Open-top means the deck inside is less protected from the elements than a kayak, where you have a closed-top. Due to this, the canoe has high sides, so it is harder for water to jump up and splash you while you are in the boat paddling. On the other hand, the kayak is lower as it has a closed top. With a kayak, you will be closer to the water than with a canoe. Once you learn how to do kayaking and maybe use the spray deck to avoid getting close to the water, you will be able to also learn the Eskimo roll. Learning this skill is a great idea for a romantic trip!

An Eskimo roll is a technique to recover if you capsize a kayak. Once your kayak is upside down in the wild waters, you can use your paddle and body to force your kayak back upright without ever leaving the vessel. That is a great skill to learn. Kayaks are more likely to have some water as they are more nimble and speedy than canoes. Their shape, lighter weight, and double-bladed paddle are quicker and more agile than a canoe. Thus, canoes are more stable and even harder to capsize. Try kayak fishing adventure in Serbia!

Kayaking is one of those outdoor activities that help you to get out on the water and appreciate nature more. The feeling of freedom and connectedness to nature is one of a kind experience you cannot feel with other outdoor activities. Kayak is both relaxing and dynamic, and at the same time, it allows your both calm and wild side to settle. The mindfulness that comes from kayaking is very rewarding. It is a perfect family bonding adventure or as a team building fun.

Both canoeing and kayaking involve some paddling through the water. That means – being active. This activity of paddling improves your aerobic fitness, strength, and flexibility. Kayaking and canoeing can be a hobby, a competitive sport, or a fun activity during the holidays. The more you paddle, the better your upper body is, and your muscles grow. However, you do not do canoeing or kayaking for too long due to back problems. Indeed, the better the position, the less pain. Also, exercise, and cardio – is linked to the release of endorphins in the brain. If you did not know, endorphins are the hormones that make you happy. Thus, thanks to kayaking, you are fueling your brain with some good vibes. You see at the moment when your brain releases endorphins, and the stress levels in your body get lower.

Kayaking is a great sport, and any beginner can learn how to do it. What is easier? Kayak vs. canoe? Well, both are relatively easy to learn. Besides, practice makes perfect, just like with everything else! It is super simple to pick up how to do it, just like cycling. Within a few hours, you can learn how to paddle along happily. Beware that there are many different types of kayaking – from whitewater kayaking to sea kayaking and flatwater kayaking. Yet, paddling is always the same with some additional tricks. Recreational kayaks are the best for beginners. They are usually more stable than the other kind of kayaks. Also, they are easy to use and the best choice for beginners. They are often wider than more professional vessels to give you the better stability you need as a beginner. But remember, even the professionals were beginners once! Take it easy! Try this breathtaking kayaking tour on river Tisa!

It is essential to know that kayaks are generally safe to use. Also, they are hard to tip over. Nevertheless, the risk of tipping depends on the sort of kayak I mentioned above. Also, it depends on the type of water where you are paddling. For instance, it’s hard to tip over when paddling with a recreational kayak on a calm river or a like such as kayaking on a Zvornik lake. If you do not work hard to tip over paddle calmly.

Here are the risks of kayaking that could be avoided by learning all about kayaking, the gear, and preparation:

– Drowning

– Hypothermia & cold water shock

– Drinking & paddling

– Getting lost, especially in open waters and sea

– Inexperience: overstepping your ability

– Adverse weather conditions & sun exposure – sunburns

All in all, whatever you choose – kayak vs canoe, you will have plenty of fun with these outdoor activities! Safety always comes first, so make sure to learn how to paddle well and embark on that adventure through the magical waters!