Question

Difference between kayaking and canoeing

Answer 1

While there are notable exceptions, kayaks are traditionally decked boats which you paddle from a seated position. They have the capability to be righted from capsize (rolled) by the paddler under his/her own power using a double bladed paddle.

Canoes on the other hand are open decked and you paddle them from a kneeling position using a single bladed paddle. They typically are not meant to be recovered from capsize.

Yes, you can also sit in a canoe and use a double bladed paddle but the above differences capture probably 99% of kayaks and canoes out there. Some notable exceptions are whitewater canoes (decked or open w/float bags) which can be rolled and recreational kayaks and sit on top kayaks which are difficult (if not impossible) to roll.

Answer 2

Canoeing – recreational boating activity or paddle sport in which you kneel or sit facing forward in an open or closed-decked canoe, and propel yourself with a single-bladed paddle, under your own power.

Kayaking – use of a kayak for moving across water. It is distinguished from canoeing by the sitting position of the paddler and the number of blades on the paddle. A kayak is a boatwhere the paddler faces forward, legs in front, using a double-bladed paddle. Most kayaks have closed decks.