Kayak? or canoe?

Question

what is the difference? which one is better.? i am going to turkey run state park. does it matter which one i get? i have never been on either one?

Answer 1

well, you can kneel in a kyak as well. i think it's either K1 or K2 class kayaks that you kneel in.

the difference between a kayak and canoe.

canoes have open tops. they have no top deck.

kayaks have a deck and wearing a spraydeck will mean that you have a water tight seal.

canoes use a one blade paddle... however the K1/K2 class kayaks use this aswell.

Answer 2

The basic difference is that in a Kayak the normal paddling position is sitting while in a canoe the normal position is kneeling.  This gets a little confusing because most canoes have seats, and a lot of paddlers actually sit in them.  However, the canoe really is designed so that your rear end is on only the edge of the seat and your weight is mostly on your knees, typically on a pad on the bottom of the boat.

And of course there are different types of kayaks, too.  From sit-on-top types for casual paddling to sit-inside and sealed with a spray-skirt types for serious whitewater.

Also, just to confuse the issue further:  The canoeist generally uses a single-blade paddle and the kayaker a double-blade paddle.

Still with me?

For a first timer, I would go with a big old stable canoe like an aluminum grumman, with another paddler who knows what they are doing and can show you the ropes.  Wear your lifejacket in case you tip over.

If you don't have an experienced partner for this, another alternative would be to rent a simple sit-on-top type kayak.  Those are pretty easy to get the hang of.  Expect to get wet.  Wear your lifejacket.

Either way, its going to be a lot of fun.  Don't worry if your initial efforts seem somewhat futile.  It won't be long until you catch on and our out there paddling away, mostly in a straight line!  Watch how others are doing it...copy what works and avoid what doesn't.  If you get the chance, take a lesson.

Answer 3

Whoa! You need some lessons...A basic learning course in either craft will take ten hours. A qualified instructor will make your learning fun and safe.

I suggest you start with a recreation type canoe. It will be stable and require less gear.  Best, join a canoe/kayak club.

A canoe is paddled kneeling or from a seat. A kayak is paddled sitting down on a low seat. The canoe uses a single bladed paddle and the kayak a double bladed one. Neither is better...they are two different water craft.