Canoes

What is a canoe ?

A canoe is a small human-powered boat. Canoes are pointed at both ends and usually open on top.

The canoe is propelled by the use of paddles, with the number of paddlers depending on the size of the canoe. Paddlers face in the direction of travel, either seated on supports in the hull, or kneeling directly upon the hull. Paddles can be single-bladed or double-bladed.

Canoe types

Whitewater canoes
The whitewater canoe is typically made of tough man-made materials, such as ABS, for strength. There is no keel and an increased rocker for manuverability. Some canoes are decked and look very much like a kayak, but are still paddled with the paddler in a kneeling position and with a single bladed paddle.

Touring canoes
Touring canoes are made of lighter materials and built for comfort and cargo space; usually a more traditional design.

Racing canoes
Racing canoes are purpose-built racing canoe for use in racing on flat water. They are built long and with a narrow beam, which makes them very unstable. Racing canoes are paddled kneeling on one knee, and only paddled on one side.

Square stern canoes
This is an asymmetrical canoe with a squared off stern for the mounting of an outboard motor meant for lake travel or fishing.

Inflatable canoes
Inflatable canoes are similar in construction and materials to other inflatable boats but shaped like a canoe. Inflatable canoes are meant for serious whitewater and are usually difficult to use for flatwater travel.