Do none of the UK papers know the difference between a canoe and a kayak?

Question

They might as well say the guy disappeared in a pedalo.

Answer 1

And that matters???

Answer 2

etymology - a portable watercraft is usually described as a 'boat'. Boats are then described further by use or shape or local name. 'Kayak' is really a subset of 'canoe'. Many users when either canoeing or kayaking note that they are, 'boating'.  Some group, use, canoeing and kayaking interchangeably. Boating organizations define a canoe as a watercraft, propelled with a single bladed paddle while kneeling. A kayak is described as a watercraft paddled with doublebladed paddle while sitting down. Note that the Brits have the British Canoe Union and the Americans the American Canoe Association. So, in general use, there is no difference between, canoe and kayak. Comments?

Answer 3

Most likely the journalists were just lazy and didn't do any research to be sure they had the right term.

It's an epidemic in journalistic circles these days.

Answer 4

i dont think journalists bother about the small details like that i think they just worry about getting the story out there first!!!

Answer 5

Actually, that's a common thing in the UK, or at least it seems to be.   They don't make much distinction between canoeing and kayaking..  Although they recognize both "open" canoes and "closed deck" canoes.

Check out these UK links:

http://www.canoepolo.org.uk/   It's referred to as "canoe polo"...but it's played in what look like whitewater kayaks.

Here's some "marathon canoeing" that's done in what look like tandem racing kayaks:

http://www.marathon-canoeing.org.uk/page...

Then, they specify "open canoeing" and it is just that:

http://www.bcu.org.uk/bcu/299-2-open-can...

So... you can't blame the press in the UK for what appears to be a regional definition.

Answer 6

I don't think they'll be too bothered...because none of the public know the difference either!

Answer 7

Probably not, however was the baot in question a covered covered, sea going canoe or a kayak?

Answer 8

Whatever it is he is still up the creek without a paddle, or should that be padelo