Canoe vs Kayak 101: 6 Differences You Should Know

When it comes to recreational boating, there are two popular choices of vessels: canoes and kayaks. But what’s the real difference between them? Knowing the top six distinctions can prevent you from making the wrong choice! In this guide, you'll learn all about the differences between a canoe vs kayak and more!

Kayaks and canoes have six key differences. To help you make the best decision, we've also laid out the distinct pros and cons of both vessels. Use these links to help navigate the guide:

Bottom line: While visually similar, there are subtle and significant structural and technical differences between canoes and kayaks — including:

• Kayaks: Carried by the cockpit on land; offer less stability on the water; require double-bladed paddles; often require less energy to paddle; seated row position with legs extended straight

• Canoes: Carried by the yoke on land; give better stability on the water; require a single-bladed paddle; require more energy to paddle; seated row position (or kneeling) with legs bent

The three biggest differences between a canoe and kayak include the number of the paddle blades required, the paddler’s sitting position, and the construction of each vessel.

• Canoes are bigger than kayaks: Their wide frames and open-deck designs can easily accommodate multiple people. You’ll have more freedom to move around in a canoe as well as more storage space for your gear or bulky equipment.

• Kayaks often have a closed-deck design: Closed decks keep the top and inside of the vessel better protected from the water as you paddle. They also surround the paddler for better security.

• Kayaks have one seating option: The paddler sits inside with their legs stretched out in front of them. You sit lower to the water in a kayak than you do in a canoe. Canoes have benches to sit on and slats to kneel on for a more adaptive paddling experience.

• Kayaks: A typical weight limit for a standard kayak is 250-300 pounds. However, it can be more with a larger or tandem kayak. Keep the total weight of gear and passengers below 80% of the maximum weight capacity.

• Canoes: Most canoes hold 2 passengers, measure 16 feet long, and can support up to 940 pounds. However, these numbers can vary depending on how the canoe is constructed (e.g. the materials, length, and width).

While canoes are practical and versatile, they’re best suited for non-competitive uses on calm flatwater. Recreational canoes are not suitable for whitewater. However, there are so many types of kayaks. You’ll find plenty of options well-suited for either flatwater and white water conditions — sometimes both!

Paddlers with an intentional destination will likely want a kayak. Their hulls have more efficient designs — which is great for you since you’ll exert less energy than you would in a canoe.

Many recreational paddlers and sightseers prefer canoes over kayaks! You sit higher on the water in them — meaning you’ll get to take in more of your surroundings. You’ll also benefit from more space to store any gear you bring along.

Now you know all about the differences between kayaks and canoes. Ready to choose your boat? Check out our guide that walks you through how to choose a kayak! You can also browse our selection of canoes and kayaks. Have fun out there!