Kayaking vs. Canoeing: The 8 Most Common Questions To Ask
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What is difference between kayaking and canoeing? There is a vast array of different styles and types of canoes and kayaks. It is a hobby that involves understanding different types of gear, stability, and experience. If you are going into the sport of paddling as a beginner, this article can clearly tell you the difference between canoeing and kayaking.
Here are the 8 questions I’m going to cover in this article:
What is difference between kayak and canoe?
How many types of kayaks and canoes to choose?
Which is faster? Kayaking VS Canoeing.
How important is stability to you?
How important is manoeuvrability to you?
How important is load capacity to you?
What type of water will you be paddling on most often?
Will you be frequently entering and exiting your paddle craft?
Kayak Overview
Kayaks are long and thin boats, usually with points that extend to the stern and bow. It is usually propelled by a kayaker sitting in a low seat. The kayakers center of gravity is lower than the horizontal plane, which is closer to the waters surface. The kayaker uses a paddle or a double sided oar depending on need for speed and quicker movability. The main feature of a kayak that makes it able to perform in white water is that it has a closed deck and the cockpit needs to be covered by a spray deck, which is meant to waterproof the outside of the kayak and keeps the interior dry. Most kayaks even have space for tying down gear for long trips (Geck lines) and may also have an enclosed chamber that can even serve as a protective compartment, which is known as the hatch.
Plain overhead Veiw of Kayak:
1. Carry Handle
2. Hatch
3. Geck lines
4. Seat
5. Thigh braces
6. Coaming
Side view of kayak:
7.Keel
8.Cockpit
9.Coaming
10.Hull
11.Deck
Canoes
A canoe maintains the same oval shape as a kayak but is longer and has an open seating area rather than a closed cockpit. This type of vessel is not as manueverable so, it does not perform as well in whitewater or any other intense conditons. It is propelled by one or more canoeist facing the direction of travel. The sitting posture is divided into sitting posture or kneeling posture. canoeist use single blade blades. One of the advantages to a canoe may also be a disadvantage depending on how you look at it- which is that is has more open space rather than a compartmented space.
Plan Veiw of Canoe (two seat):
1. Stern Deck
2. Stern Seat
3. Stern Thwart
4. Midship Thwart
5. Bow Thwart
6. Bow Seat
7. Bow Deck
8. Gunwale
Side view of canoe:
9.Length
10.Stern
11.Amidships
12.Bow
13.Waterline
14.Key line
15.Waterline length
16.Draft
17.Freeboard
Sit-inside kayak, sit on top kayak, sea kayak,whitewater kayak and recreational kayak. The most common materials for different kayaks which can range from plastic to kevlar.
Sit-Inside Kayak
This is a common kayak for most intermediate and more advanced in paddle sports. These craft are most commonly made out of plastic and other lightweight materials. . But, of course there are many sub categories to a sit-inside kayak such as, creek boats, slicey boats and playboats. They are all designed with enclosed cockpits and can get you into and out of trouble so to speak, but it takes skill.
Sit-on-top kayak
Sit-on-top kayak is difference from sit-inside kayak because sit-on-top kayak is open cockpits. As seen in the picture below. These are good affordable vessels that are just like a recreational kayak and have similar use to a canoe and are great for more relaxed long trips down a calm river or around a lake.
Whitewater kayaking
A Whitewater kayak is designed for rowing in the river is lots of whitewater, with the use of a enclosed deck it is meant for plowing through rapids. Whitewater is produced in the rapids of a river, where the slope of the river increases and disrupts its flow to create turbulence and results in white foam water.
Rivers are classified into different grades according to the difficulty, danger or severity of the rapids. The white water class ranges from Class I to Class VI . Class I can be described as slightly moving water with ripples and a Class VI can be described as severe or almost uncontrollable white water, such as Niagara Falls.
Recreational kayak
Recreational kayaks is designed for lakes or flat waters, so that kayakers can have a leisurely experience. Ideal conditions would be where the speed of water flow is not fast and the kayakers are able to enjoy at there own discretion with solitude in mind. Although, even in wind and more choppy water there may not be as much stability.
Sea kayak
Sea kayaks are designed for kayaking in the bays and oceans. The sea kayaks have a covered deck and cockpit. They have good maneuverability, and rowers can obtain higher cruising speed, straight rowing speed and comfort for long distance travel. A Sea kayak can accommodate one to three rowers. A rower or rowers can travel by sea anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. Sea kayak provides space for camping equipment, food, water and other supplies. The sea kayak size of solo craft is 3.0–5.5 m (10–18 ft). tandem craft sea kayak size is up to 7.9 m (26 ft) .
Surf kayak
Surf kayaking is the sport of surfing ocean waves with kayaks. Rowers enjoy the speed and excitement of the waves. It has a long aft and bow section that makes getting through water easier. At the same time, for safety, they need to wear protective gear, such as helmets. These boats are usually made of composite, plastic or, polycarbonate materials being the most popular.
Fishing kayak
Fishing kayaks are a type of kayak that a rower can fish on and thus provides a flat stable platform that is long (about 10 to 14 feet) which is sit-on-top design. Fishing kayaks are more wide than other kayaks, because it is customized to accommodate the tool of an angler. It can bear a lot of weight and provide a lot of space for all your fishing supplies and picnic supplies.
Folding Kayak
A Folding kayak is a kind of kayak with folding frame made of plastic, wood or, aluminum. The folding kayak has air chambers inside, which can increase its buoyancy. It may also have limited utility due to it’s size and construction but, it still would be good for beginners.
Inflatable Kayak
If hauling and putting away a stiff kayak will be a problem for you, then an inflatable kayak might be a more preferrable option. Inflatable kayaks are made of multi-layered PVC. Although their may be extra preparation but, after the kayak is inflated it’s buoyancy is greatly increased. An Inflatable kayak can be deflated and stored in storage bag or closet. When you travel, it can be easily put into your car because of it’s lightness.
Sprint kayak
Sprint kayaking is a sport carried out on calm water (lakes, flat streams, etc.). The paddles are sitting, facing forward. They use double blade paddles to pull. These type of kayaks are classed for the olympic racing type of kayaks. For example K1 for one rower, K2 for two rowers and K4 for four rowers. The hull of the kayak must be flat for above water flotation and have specific sizing and weight as seen in the chart below.
Recreational canoe
A Recreational canoe is designed for lakes or flat waters. It can be used as a good family boat for bird watching, photography or a one-day trip on the lake. They are stable and easy to paddle. The discretionary time and solitude can be enjoyed by any rower that wants a leisure rich experience. The overall length can be from 10 feet up to 16 feet.
Racing Canoe
As a racing boat, racing canoe is lighter and smoother. The hull is long and thin. The bow and stern are pointed. This design reduces resistance. Racing canoe has a long hull, which ranges from 18 to 20 feet.To maintain lightness and flexibility, racing canoe has no storage capacity for rowing. It is probably the lightest and fastest of any other type of canoe.
Whitewater Canoe
Whitewater canoes are different from recreational canoes. Whitewater canoes are meant for rowing on fast rivers. Rowers enjoy the excitement and happiness brought by speed and because the current is fast, this sport is dangerous. Rowers must wear safety gear, such as helmets. Rivers are classified into different grades according to the difficulty, danger or severity of the rapids. The white water class ranges from Class I to Class VI . Class I can be described as slightly moving water with ripples. Class VI can be described as severe or almost uncontrollable white water, such as Niagara Falls.
Inflatable Canoe
Inflatable canoes are made of multi-layered PVC. After the canoe is inflated, its buoyancy is greatly increased. Inflatable canoe can be deflated and stored more convienently for travel. When you travel, it can be easily put into your car. If your travel capacity is limited, but, you want to have a group canoe trip inflatable canoe is a good choice. Although it may not be good for long trips on the water.
Folding Canoe
Folding canoe is a kind of canoe with folding frame made of plastic, aluminum, or other lightweight materials. A folding canoe has a good balance between compactness and strudy design. When folded, it can save you a lot of space. You can easily put it in the compartment. Folding canoe exist in a variety of forms, making them ideal for both recreational and professional use.
Fishing canoe
A Fishing canoe is similar to recreational canoe due to it’s stability and relative encouragement to relax the pace of rowing and paddling. It can bear a lot of weight and provide a lot of space for all your fishing supplies and camping supplies.
Fishing canoes fall into two categories- both have square bows. These two types of boats are different from each other which are Multi-purpose or recreational. A multi-purpose canoe can be adaptable for more space or more seating area and the more modern the canoe is, it may have a square stern which is more versatile because outboard engines can be added. However, a recreational vessel usually is more long lasting but cannot be easily adapted to your needs.
Seating Position
The seats of the two boats are different. The seat of the kayak is on the floor of the boat, very close to the bottom of the boat at the waterline. When the rower sits in the kayak, the center of gravity of the person is very close to the horizontal plane. The sitting position in a canoe usually sits flush with or even higher than the top rail of the boat. When the rower sits on the canoe, the center of gravity of is higher than the horizontal plane. From the point of dynamics, a kayak at the bottom of the boat will obtain higher energy in the direction due to a balanced central position while sitting in the cockpit and, the kayak will have a lower position in the water altogether and will have less wind resistance as well.
Weight, Length and Stability
The weight and length of the boat will also affect the speed. Generally, kayaks are not longer than canoes the varieties of sizes kayaks can be just as long as canoes. Kayaks weigh less than canoes, while a canoe has a longer hull, wider weight distribution and greater buoyancy. On the contrary, canoes are heavier, and the greater the resistance, the slower the speed. Under the same shipbuilding materials, for example, kayaks and canoes can both be made of light fiberglass but, because canoes are longer, narrower and lighter, they can gain speed faster.
William Froude's accepted theory basically points out that the maximum speed of the hull is 1.34 times the square root of the waterline length (HS=1.34 x √ LWL). The hull speed in km/h (kilometer per hour) shall be calculated. When we use this formula to calculate, we should assume that the kayak is sailing on calm water. For example, a boat with a waterline of 4 meters can be calculated at a maximum speed of 9 km/h. A boat at 6 meters long at the waterline can calculate a maximum speed of 11 km/h. Of course, the greater the width of the ship, the higher the center of gravity the greater the wind resistance, and these factors will reduce the speed of the vessel. Relatively speaking, these factors of canoeing have less influence, so the speed is faster.
According to the structure of the hull, no ship can be designed with excellent primary stability and good secondary stability.
The width of the boat has two width definitions:
The hull shapes are mainly divided into the following 4 types:
1.Flat hull
This structure is good at primary stability. If you are a recreational rowier or tend to fish in calmer water, this boats’ structure is especially stable. However, its secondary stability is poor, and it is easy to roll over in stormy water.
2.Rounded hull
The hull with this structure is good at drainage, and it is flexible and easy to turn when rowing because it has soft edges. Its secondary stability is very good. However, the initial stability is poor, and the rowing speed is slow, which is not conducive to competition use.
3.Pontoon hull
The bottom of a Pontoon hull is in the shape of a concave arch bridge. The hull of this structure has good initial stability. However, its secondary stability is poor, and it is easy to roll over in stormy water.
4.V-Shape hull
The bottom of the V-shape boat is a structure conducive to fast rowing. This kind of hull has good secondary stability and fast acceleration, and is suitable for long-distance rowing and whitewater paddling However, its initial stability is poor. If you get off the ship for the first time, its stability will cause you trouble.
The length, width and hull shape affect each other, which determines the stability of the boat. According to the purpose of your rowing, you can choose a suitable boat for better stability.
The following four factors affect the bearing capacity of kayaks and canoes:
Length - The longer the length, the larger the boat's volume, but may not always be contributive to heavy loads but is totally possible the more support structures there are.
Width - The greater the width, the higher the stability of the boat, the larger the space in the cabin, and the greater the weight the boat can bear.
Depth - because the cabin is open, the depth is good for the bearing capacity of the canoe. The greater the depth, the greater the weight the boat can bear and can also improve capacity by volume as well.
Boatbuilding materials - Plastic, Fiberglass, Carbon fiber, kevlar, wooden materials are common boatbuilding materials. Builders will use different materials and manufacturing processes, which will determine the carrying capacity of the boat. For example, kevlar materials can be used to make lighter boat, while also increasing their load-bearing capacity.
The weight carried must be less than the official capacity limit provided by the manufacturer. If you want to maintain the best rowing experience, the total weight of all items on the boat must be less than 35% of the official maximum weight. The weight of the boat includes the weight of the oarsmen and all equipment.
Kayaks load bearing table (for reference):
Canoes load bearing table (for reference):
The cabin of the canoe is open, and the rowers can enter and exit quickly. With the width of the canoe being wide, and the primary stability is good, and the efficiency of rowing on and off the boat is high.
The entering method of kayak at dock:
Once you have everything in place, there’s one more thing you need to think about. When you start to move your weight over the kayak, it needs to be exactly at the centerline; otherwise, the kayak will tip over.
The exiting method of kayak at dock:
The exiting method of canoe at dock:
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article was informative and in-depth enough to answer the majority of question that are most frequently asked and thought about by most newer and some intermediate paddle sports enthusiasts. Spending time on the water is a great way to spend time with others or yourself and now armed with more comprehensive knowledge, hopefully you’ll want to practice and put this knowledge to good use on your next trip.
Here are the 8 questions I’m going to cover in this article:
What is difference between kayak and canoe?
How many types of kayaks and canoes to choose?
Which is faster? Kayaking VS Canoeing.
How important is stability to you?
How important is manoeuvrability to you?
How important is load capacity to you?
What type of water will you be paddling on most often?
Will you be frequently entering and exiting your paddle craft?
What is difference between kayak and canoe?
Although, the shape of kayaks and canoes are similar oval shaped and seem to have little difference in purpose but, they actually have some considerable differences. In this section we will try to answer common questions such as, load capacity, manuevuerability, Stability and load capacity. You will see the differences in both with visual aids that will show those actual differences.Kayak Overview
Kayaks are long and thin boats, usually with points that extend to the stern and bow. It is usually propelled by a kayaker sitting in a low seat. The kayakers center of gravity is lower than the horizontal plane, which is closer to the waters surface. The kayaker uses a paddle or a double sided oar depending on need for speed and quicker movability. The main feature of a kayak that makes it able to perform in white water is that it has a closed deck and the cockpit needs to be covered by a spray deck, which is meant to waterproof the outside of the kayak and keeps the interior dry. Most kayaks even have space for tying down gear for long trips (Geck lines) and may also have an enclosed chamber that can even serve as a protective compartment, which is known as the hatch.
Plain overhead Veiw of Kayak:
1. Carry Handle
2. Hatch
3. Geck lines
4. Seat
5. Thigh braces
6. Coaming
Side view of kayak:
7.Keel
8.Cockpit
9.Coaming
10.Hull
11.Deck
Canoes
A canoe maintains the same oval shape as a kayak but is longer and has an open seating area rather than a closed cockpit. This type of vessel is not as manueverable so, it does not perform as well in whitewater or any other intense conditons. It is propelled by one or more canoeist facing the direction of travel. The sitting posture is divided into sitting posture or kneeling posture. canoeist use single blade blades. One of the advantages to a canoe may also be a disadvantage depending on how you look at it- which is that is has more open space rather than a compartmented space.
Plan Veiw of Canoe (two seat):
1. Stern Deck
2. Stern Seat
3. Stern Thwart
4. Midship Thwart
5. Bow Thwart
6. Bow Seat
7. Bow Deck
8. Gunwale
Side view of canoe:
9.Length
10.Stern
11.Amidships
12.Bow
13.Waterline
14.Key line
15.Waterline length
16.Draft
17.Freeboard
How many types of kayaks and canoes to choose?
Kayaks can be divided into the following types according to their uses which includes;Sit-inside kayak, sit on top kayak, sea kayak,whitewater kayak and recreational kayak. The most common materials for different kayaks which can range from plastic to kevlar.
Sit-Inside Kayak
This is a common kayak for most intermediate and more advanced in paddle sports. These craft are most commonly made out of plastic and other lightweight materials. . But, of course there are many sub categories to a sit-inside kayak such as, creek boats, slicey boats and playboats. They are all designed with enclosed cockpits and can get you into and out of trouble so to speak, but it takes skill.
Sit-on-top kayak
Sit-on-top kayak is difference from sit-inside kayak because sit-on-top kayak is open cockpits. As seen in the picture below. These are good affordable vessels that are just like a recreational kayak and have similar use to a canoe and are great for more relaxed long trips down a calm river or around a lake.
Whitewater kayaking
A Whitewater kayak is designed for rowing in the river is lots of whitewater, with the use of a enclosed deck it is meant for plowing through rapids. Whitewater is produced in the rapids of a river, where the slope of the river increases and disrupts its flow to create turbulence and results in white foam water.
Rivers are classified into different grades according to the difficulty, danger or severity of the rapids. The white water class ranges from Class I to Class VI . Class I can be described as slightly moving water with ripples and a Class VI can be described as severe or almost uncontrollable white water, such as Niagara Falls.
Recreational kayak
Recreational kayaks is designed for lakes or flat waters, so that kayakers can have a leisurely experience. Ideal conditions would be where the speed of water flow is not fast and the kayakers are able to enjoy at there own discretion with solitude in mind. Although, even in wind and more choppy water there may not be as much stability.
Sea kayak
Sea kayaks are designed for kayaking in the bays and oceans. The sea kayaks have a covered deck and cockpit. They have good maneuverability, and rowers can obtain higher cruising speed, straight rowing speed and comfort for long distance travel. A Sea kayak can accommodate one to three rowers. A rower or rowers can travel by sea anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. Sea kayak provides space for camping equipment, food, water and other supplies. The sea kayak size of solo craft is 3.0–5.5 m (10–18 ft). tandem craft sea kayak size is up to 7.9 m (26 ft) .
Surf kayak
Surf kayaking is the sport of surfing ocean waves with kayaks. Rowers enjoy the speed and excitement of the waves. It has a long aft and bow section that makes getting through water easier. At the same time, for safety, they need to wear protective gear, such as helmets. These boats are usually made of composite, plastic or, polycarbonate materials being the most popular.
Fishing kayak
Fishing kayaks are a type of kayak that a rower can fish on and thus provides a flat stable platform that is long (about 10 to 14 feet) which is sit-on-top design. Fishing kayaks are more wide than other kayaks, because it is customized to accommodate the tool of an angler. It can bear a lot of weight and provide a lot of space for all your fishing supplies and picnic supplies.
Folding Kayak
A Folding kayak is a kind of kayak with folding frame made of plastic, wood or, aluminum. The folding kayak has air chambers inside, which can increase its buoyancy. It may also have limited utility due to it’s size and construction but, it still would be good for beginners.
Inflatable Kayak
If hauling and putting away a stiff kayak will be a problem for you, then an inflatable kayak might be a more preferrable option. Inflatable kayaks are made of multi-layered PVC. Although their may be extra preparation but, after the kayak is inflated it’s buoyancy is greatly increased. An Inflatable kayak can be deflated and stored in storage bag or closet. When you travel, it can be easily put into your car because of it’s lightness.
Sprint kayak
Sprint kayaking is a sport carried out on calm water (lakes, flat streams, etc.). The paddles are sitting, facing forward. They use double blade paddles to pull. These type of kayaks are classed for the olympic racing type of kayaks. For example K1 for one rower, K2 for two rowers and K4 for four rowers. The hull of the kayak must be flat for above water flotation and have specific sizing and weight as seen in the chart below.
| Kayaks | K1 | K2 | K4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max. length in cm | 520 | 650 | 1100 |
| Min. weight in kg | 12 | 18 | 30 |
Recreational canoe
A Recreational canoe is designed for lakes or flat waters. It can be used as a good family boat for bird watching, photography or a one-day trip on the lake. They are stable and easy to paddle. The discretionary time and solitude can be enjoyed by any rower that wants a leisure rich experience. The overall length can be from 10 feet up to 16 feet.
Racing Canoe
As a racing boat, racing canoe is lighter and smoother. The hull is long and thin. The bow and stern are pointed. This design reduces resistance. Racing canoe has a long hull, which ranges from 18 to 20 feet.To maintain lightness and flexibility, racing canoe has no storage capacity for rowing. It is probably the lightest and fastest of any other type of canoe.
Whitewater Canoe
Whitewater canoes are different from recreational canoes. Whitewater canoes are meant for rowing on fast rivers. Rowers enjoy the excitement and happiness brought by speed and because the current is fast, this sport is dangerous. Rowers must wear safety gear, such as helmets. Rivers are classified into different grades according to the difficulty, danger or severity of the rapids. The white water class ranges from Class I to Class VI . Class I can be described as slightly moving water with ripples. Class VI can be described as severe or almost uncontrollable white water, such as Niagara Falls.
Inflatable Canoe
Inflatable canoes are made of multi-layered PVC. After the canoe is inflated, its buoyancy is greatly increased. Inflatable canoe can be deflated and stored more convienently for travel. When you travel, it can be easily put into your car. If your travel capacity is limited, but, you want to have a group canoe trip inflatable canoe is a good choice. Although it may not be good for long trips on the water.
Folding Canoe
Folding canoe is a kind of canoe with folding frame made of plastic, aluminum, or other lightweight materials. A folding canoe has a good balance between compactness and strudy design. When folded, it can save you a lot of space. You can easily put it in the compartment. Folding canoe exist in a variety of forms, making them ideal for both recreational and professional use.
Fishing canoe
A Fishing canoe is similar to recreational canoe due to it’s stability and relative encouragement to relax the pace of rowing and paddling. It can bear a lot of weight and provide a lot of space for all your fishing supplies and camping supplies.
Fishing canoes fall into two categories- both have square bows. These two types of boats are different from each other which are Multi-purpose or recreational. A multi-purpose canoe can be adaptable for more space or more seating area and the more modern the canoe is, it may have a square stern which is more versatile because outboard engines can be added. However, a recreational vessel usually is more long lasting but cannot be easily adapted to your needs.
Which is faster? Kayaking VS Canoeing
When choosing to learn kayaking or canoeing, a common concern about which boat is faster. There are three types types of purpose about paddling, which are recreation, whitewater and racing. Different usage occasions and environments, different speeds all must be considered. Here we discuss the influence of a vessels own factors on speed under the same conditions. For example, canoes and kayaks use different paddle styles and canoeist would use a paddle with a single blade. kayaker would use a paddle with a double blade. Because there are two blades, kayakers have higher rowing efficiency and faster time to generate driving force.Seating Position
The seats of the two boats are different. The seat of the kayak is on the floor of the boat, very close to the bottom of the boat at the waterline. When the rower sits in the kayak, the center of gravity of the person is very close to the horizontal plane. The sitting position in a canoe usually sits flush with or even higher than the top rail of the boat. When the rower sits on the canoe, the center of gravity of is higher than the horizontal plane. From the point of dynamics, a kayak at the bottom of the boat will obtain higher energy in the direction due to a balanced central position while sitting in the cockpit and, the kayak will have a lower position in the water altogether and will have less wind resistance as well.
Weight, Length and Stability
The weight and length of the boat will also affect the speed. Generally, kayaks are not longer than canoes the varieties of sizes kayaks can be just as long as canoes. Kayaks weigh less than canoes, while a canoe has a longer hull, wider weight distribution and greater buoyancy. On the contrary, canoes are heavier, and the greater the resistance, the slower the speed. Under the same shipbuilding materials, for example, kayaks and canoes can both be made of light fiberglass but, because canoes are longer, narrower and lighter, they can gain speed faster.
William Froude's accepted theory basically points out that the maximum speed of the hull is 1.34 times the square root of the waterline length (HS=1.34 x √ LWL). The hull speed in km/h (kilometer per hour) shall be calculated. When we use this formula to calculate, we should assume that the kayak is sailing on calm water. For example, a boat with a waterline of 4 meters can be calculated at a maximum speed of 9 km/h. A boat at 6 meters long at the waterline can calculate a maximum speed of 11 km/h. Of course, the greater the width of the ship, the higher the center of gravity the greater the wind resistance, and these factors will reduce the speed of the vessel. Relatively speaking, these factors of canoeing have less influence, so the speed is faster.
How important is stability to you?
There are two kinds of stability for boats, one is primary stability, the other is secondary stability. Primary stability means that when you enter the water surface for the first time, there will be ups and downs, and the hull will initially have the ability to resist overturning and rolling. The primary stability can maintain the stability of the canoe or kayak to a certain extent. However, if the movement exceeds a certain critical point, the ship will still be rolled. The secondary stability is the ability of a canoe or kayak to resist overturning when it exceeds the critical point that the free primary stability can maintain.According to the structure of the hull, no ship can be designed with excellent primary stability and good secondary stability.
- Primary stability - primary stability is very important for beginners. If you like rowing on the calm lake and river, good primary stability is also important.
- Secondary stability - it is conducive to rowing in the white water and sea with strong wind and waves.
- Length overall (LOA), LOA is the measured length distance from the most tip of bow to the end of the stern.
- Displacement length- The displacement length is the length of the ship at the waterline (LWL). The LWL is smaller than LOA. However, the LWL is more important than LOA because LWL directly interacts with the water surface. LWL has an important influence on boat stability.
The width of the boat has two width definitions:
- Width overall (BOA), BOA is the maximum width of the left and right sides of the ship.
- Length Overall (BWL)- Which is measure at the width of the ship at the waterline. Similarly, BWL is more important than BOA because BWL interacts directly with the water surface. The BWL determines the speed of the boat and is beneficial to ship stability. For boats of the same length but with one that has a larger BWL, the larger its volume and the better its stability.
The hull shapes are mainly divided into the following 4 types:
1.Flat hull
This structure is good at primary stability. If you are a recreational rowier or tend to fish in calmer water, this boats’ structure is especially stable. However, its secondary stability is poor, and it is easy to roll over in stormy water.
2.Rounded hull
The hull with this structure is good at drainage, and it is flexible and easy to turn when rowing because it has soft edges. Its secondary stability is very good. However, the initial stability is poor, and the rowing speed is slow, which is not conducive to competition use.
3.Pontoon hull
The bottom of a Pontoon hull is in the shape of a concave arch bridge. The hull of this structure has good initial stability. However, its secondary stability is poor, and it is easy to roll over in stormy water.
4.V-Shape hull
The bottom of the V-shape boat is a structure conducive to fast rowing. This kind of hull has good secondary stability and fast acceleration, and is suitable for long-distance rowing and whitewater paddling However, its initial stability is poor. If you get off the ship for the first time, its stability will cause you trouble.
| Hull | Primary Stability | Secondary Stability |
|---|---|---|
| Flat hull | Excellent | poor |
| Rounded hull | poor | decent |
| Pontoon hull | decent | poor |
| V-Shape hull | poor | Excellent |
The length, width and hull shape affect each other, which determines the stability of the boat. According to the purpose of your rowing, you can choose a suitable boat for better stability.
How important is maneuverability to you?
All around kayaks have better maneuverability than canoes. Comparing kayaks against canoes built for speed, canoe will naturally have a longer length(LWL), smaller width(BWL), lighter weight, better speed and but a kayak can always move flexibly on the water. For example, there are certain strokes and movements you can do on both a kayak that can’t be done on a canoe. This also can be determined by versatility which kayaks are outright more versatile.How important is load capacity to you?
If you are going to start a river leisure trip, taking your family and dog with you, and your equipment will be enough to travel for two days- Consider a canoe as your first choice. Each boat has the maximum bearing capacity, which is determined by the type of boat and the manufacturer's technology. kayaks have cabin decks and can carry limited camping equipment. Canoe cabins are open and wider, and can carry more equipment and people than kayaks.The following four factors affect the bearing capacity of kayaks and canoes:
Length - The longer the length, the larger the boat's volume, but may not always be contributive to heavy loads but is totally possible the more support structures there are.
Width - The greater the width, the higher the stability of the boat, the larger the space in the cabin, and the greater the weight the boat can bear.
Depth - because the cabin is open, the depth is good for the bearing capacity of the canoe. The greater the depth, the greater the weight the boat can bear and can also improve capacity by volume as well.
Boatbuilding materials - Plastic, Fiberglass, Carbon fiber, kevlar, wooden materials are common boatbuilding materials. Builders will use different materials and manufacturing processes, which will determine the carrying capacity of the boat. For example, kevlar materials can be used to make lighter boat, while also increasing their load-bearing capacity.
The weight carried must be less than the official capacity limit provided by the manufacturer. If you want to maintain the best rowing experience, the total weight of all items on the boat must be less than 35% of the official maximum weight. The weight of the boat includes the weight of the oarsmen and all equipment.
Kayaks load bearing table (for reference):
| Kayak brand/model | Length | Official limit | Optimal capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 | 10’ | 250 lbs | 163 lbs |
| Pelican Premium Sprint 140DT | 14’ | 300 lbs | 195 lbs |
| Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL | 13.3’ | 500 lbs | 325 lbs |
| Advanced Elements Expedition | 15’ | 550 lbs | 358 lbs |
| Sea Eagle 370 PRO inflatable kayaks | 12.5’ | 650 lbs | 423 lbs |
Canoes load bearing table (for reference):
| Kayak brand/model | Length | Width | Official limit | Optimal capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town Guide 147 | 14’ | 38” | 900 lbs | 585 lbs |
| Novacraft Fox 14 Solo | 14’ | 32” | 550 lbs | 358 lbs |
| Old Town Saranac 160 | 16’ | 37” | 850 lbs | 553 lbs |
| Old Town Guide 160 | 16’ | 39.5” | 1250 lbs | 813 lbs |
| Old Town Penobscot 174 | 17’4” | 36” | 1500 lbs | 975 lbs |
What type of water will you be paddling on most often?
Before you start rowing, you must have a clear understanding of the waters. For example, the water environment around your home may determine the type of rowing you will be doing the most. The water environment is divided into rivers, lakes and seashore.- Rivers - Rivers are naturally flowing waterways, flowing from high to lower altituder under the action of gravity. The flow velocity varies with the environment, terrain and season. If the water is calm, we can choose a boat similar to leisure. If the water flow speed is high and reaches the speed level of white water drifting, we need to choose whitewater kayak or whitewater canoe. These boats are stable, strong and maneuverable.
- Lakes- are divided into natural lakes and artificial lakes. Natural lakes are generally distributed in mountain areas, rift zones and areas where glaciation continues. Generally, the water surface of the lake is calm and suitable for leisure boating. However, when affected by natural conditions, natural lakes may also have waves. In this case, it is necessary to select a boat that can resist waves. The water surface of the artificial lake is calm and less affected by natural conditions, so it is just as suitable for leisure boating.
- Coast - the place where the sea meets the land. The coast gathers such complex environmental factors such as waves, currents, winds, rain, tides, etc. If you are boating on the coast, you must pay attention to the climate change and choose the right boat to protect yourself.
Will you be frequently entering and exiting your paddle craft?
If you enter and exit the boat frequently, you most likely will prefer canoes. kayak has a closed cabin, and rowers need to wear spray skirt. it will increase the entering and exiting time. In addition, the primary stability of kayaks is worse than canoes. If you are a beginner, it will be easier to choose canoes.The cabin of the canoe is open, and the rowers can enter and exit quickly. With the width of the canoe being wide, and the primary stability is good, and the efficiency of rowing on and off the boat is high.
The entering method of kayak at dock:
- Check that your equipment is working correctly, and make sure you’re wearing a life vest.
- When wearing a spray skirt, make sure you fold it up to avoid sitting on it.
- Place the paddle on the dock, where you will reach it easily.
Once you have everything in place, there’s one more thing you need to think about. When you start to move your weight over the kayak, it needs to be exactly at the centerline; otherwise, the kayak will tip over.
- Firmly grasp the rear of the cockpit.
- Check your feet are also near the centerline of the kayak.
- The first foot needs to step on the boat's centerline, and the side of the kayak should be slightly close to the dock.
- Both legs will enter the kayak in a cross-legged position and then stretch out.
- Keep your whole center of gravity as low as possible, and use your legs to control the distance between the kayak and dock.
The exiting method of kayak at dock:
- Get and keep the kayak parallel to the dock
- Unhook the spray skirt
- Take out the oars and hang them horizontally at the edge of dock. Use oars as support points to prevent kayak from floating away
- Grasp the edge of the wharf with both hands
- Lift yourself up, lean your chest against the dock, and put your feet on the kayak at the same time
- Rotate your torso so that you can sit on the dock
- Put your hands on the dock and slowly lift one leg onto the dock
- Keep at least one leg on the kayak until it can be fixed
- Keep the canoe parallel to the dock and the canoe close to the shore
- Before stepping into the canoe, hold the far side with your hands to keep balance
- Select a place near the stern to enter
- One foot first and step near the centerline of the boat, and with the other foot then step near the centerline with the second foot
- After boarding, stabilize the center of gravity and slowly move to the center of the boat
The exiting method of canoe at dock:
- Keep the kayak parallel to the dock
- Take out the oars and hang them horizontally at the edge of dock. Use oars as support points to prevent canoe from floating away
- Grasp the edge of the wharf with both hands
- Lift yourself up, lean your chest against the dock, and put your feet on the canoe at the same time
- Rotate your torso so that you can sit on the dock
- Put your hands on the dock and slowly lift one leg onto the dock
- Keep at least one leg on the canoe until it can be fixed
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article was informative and in-depth enough to answer the majority of question that are most frequently asked and thought about by most newer and some intermediate paddle sports enthusiasts. Spending time on the water is a great way to spend time with others or yourself and now armed with more comprehensive knowledge, hopefully you’ll want to practice and put this knowledge to good use on your next trip.
