How to Tell the Difference Between a whitewater kayak and canoe

Canoes and kayaks can both be used for whitewater exploration, but they are very different kinds of boats. Once you learn the differences, they are easy to spot.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Look at the cockpit. Whitewater kayaks have either a closed cockpit that tightly encircles the body or a ride-atop design like a surfboard with a seat. Canoes have an open cockpit with walls to shelter the passengers and their possessions.

2. Look at the profile. Kayaks are very close to the water, whereas canoes sit quite a bit higher.

3. Look for rocker. "Rocker" is the term for the upward curve at the back and front of a canoe. Whitewater canoes tend to have a lot of rocker. Whitewater kayaks, by contrast, only angle up slightly.

4. Look at the paddles. Canoes use single-bladed paddles, whereas kayaks use double-bladed ones.

5. Look at seat height and position. Kayakers sit in the bottom of the boot with their feet forward. Canoeists sit on a bench elevated above the floor of the canoe.

Tips & Warnings

• Inflatable canoes, and some novel designs occasionally blur the distinction between canoe and kayak. For example, some whitewater canoes have closed-off cockpit compartments to stop excessive water from getting in the boat.

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