Many Ohioans love to spend time out on the water during the summer, especially with the relatively easy access to the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie, as well as other small lakes and rivers scattered throughout the state. For many people, summer is the perfect time to go kayaking… Or canoeing… Wait, which is it again? Don’t worry, the difference doesn’t have to be complicated!
The Vessel
Although many people use the terms “canoe” and “kayak” interchangeably, a canoe is a very different vessel than a kayak. A canoe is generally completely open-top for starters, where you either sit on a raised seat or kneel while rowing. On the other hand, a kayak is a closed-top vessel where you sit with your legs stretched forward while rowing.
Since kayaks are covered other than where you sit, they are also able to sit lower in the water than a canoe. Because canoes are not covered, they sit higher in the water and have higher walls.
Due to their shape and lighter weight, kayaks are also faster and more nimble than most canoes.
The Equipment
You also need different equipment depending on whether you’re using a canoe or a kayak. When paddling a canoe, you use a single-bladed paddle to propel the boat forward, paddling on different sides depending on which direction you need to go. In a kayak, you use a double-bladed paddle on alternating sides to move forward.
While the difference in paddles may seem trivial at first, it’s actually incredibly important. Because kayaks sit so much lower in the water than canoes do, lifting a single-bladed paddle over the boat would be nearly impossible. The back-and-forth motion of a double-bladed paddle is much easier and more effective for kayakers.
What About Tandem Kayaks?
A tandem kayak allows you to bring another person on your kayaking adventure. In most cases, the second person doesn’t always have to paddle, making a tandem kayak ideal for someone who wants to try kayaking, but may not be at the same skill level as you.
In general, a tandem kayak is going to be faster and easier to maneuver than a canoe, for the same reasons that a single kayak is faster and more nimble than a canoe. These benefits are heightened exponentially if both people in the kayak are skilled kayakers– if you coordinate your strokes properly, a tandem kayak can be turned and maneuvered much quicker than a single kayak.
If you’re interested in giving kayaking or canoeing a try, Paddle the River has three convenient locations in Northeastern Ohio! Check out our website to learn more about each location and the trips offered there or book your trip today!