SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES

KAYAK CANOE

-often referred to as ‘open’

-are known as ‘closed’ with a
with sides that come high out of
cockpit for the paddler to sit in -both have a recreational
type the water.

-Kayakers sit in a seat that is usually

-nature of activity -usually have a bench-like seat to
molded on the bottom of the kayak,
sit on so that the paddler is raised up
with their legs out In front of them. from the boat floor. Most canoes have
- both are Olympic sport two seats, and sometimes three

- -Double paddle
-Single;paddles
DIFFERRENCES
 COCKPIT

K A Y AK CANOE

The entirety of the boat is closed except for a small When it comes to the latter, their cockpit is typically
cockpit where the kayaker would sit in. It is quite notable that open. Nothing is seemingly closed, except for the front and
those who are kayaking will have to sit lower than those who back part where small protective covers are in place.
are canoeing. You might need time before you can adjust to
such kind of setup. But anyway, you'll get used to it eventual-
In short, canoes technically don't have any cockpits.
ly.
Once you see an elongated boat that remains open, then that
Because of its design, kayaks are prone to water is definitely a canoe. They have a design that is somehow
breach. This is a usual scenario especially if you are boating in reminiscent of rowing boats.
surging waters. When it comes to this predicament, a kayaker
has to wear spray skirts. These are amenities that prevent the
water from coming in.
 S E AT
K A Y AK
Kayakers sit in a seat that is usually molded to the
bottom of the kayak, with their legs out in front of them.
Kayakers use their knees to brace against the sides of the kay-
ak and advanced paddlers will use this to their advantage
when paddling.
CANOE
usually have a bench-like seat to sit on so that the pad-
dler is raised up from the boat floor. Most canoes have two
seats, and sometimes three. Some canoeists prefer to kneel
on the floor. This position is often adopted in challenging con-
ditions or to generate more power behind their paddle
strokes.
 PADDLE

K A Y AK CANOE

use a double paddle which has a paddle ‘blade’ on both are paddled with a single paddle, which can be used on
ends. They will paddle on alternate sides to drive the kayak either side of the canoe. Paddlers can adopt what is know as
forwards. a ‘J’ stroke which allows them to paddle in a straight line
without having to swap sides all the time.
SIMILARITIES
 RECREATIONAL TYPE

K A Y AK CANOE

Recreational Kayak - This is best used in serene waters Recreational Canoe - These canoes have a length of
with flat terrains. It has a length of around 12-feet long. It is around 12 feet to 16 feet. They have a stable design that can
easy to control and easy to ride on. be easily navigated by even a single person. This is the type of
canoe that you see on lakes and streams.
 NATURE O F A C T I V I TY

K A Y AK & CANOE

They are both activities done in water with the use of a boat and paddle.
 OLYMPIC SPORT

K A Y AK & CANOE

They are both an Olympic sport. Canoeing and kayaking have been featured as competition sports
in the Summer Olympic Games since the 1936 Games in Berlin, although they were demonstration
sports at the 1924 Games in Paris
 SOURCES
• https://coolofthewild.com/canoe-vs-kayak/
• https://www.kayaknv.com/canoe-vs-kayak/
• https://www.olympic.org
• Aoarato, Conrado R., et al. Physical Health Education and Health. 1 ed., vol. 2, Manila, REX Book Store, 2019, pp. 124-31.