Kayak or canoe?

Bambi · 12-23-2010, 11:18 PM

One of these days I dream of having a kayak. I have canoed before, but for some reason the idea of kayaking really appeals to me. Which do you prefer?

JLockard · 12-24-2010, 01:27 AM

Depends on the situation...

If I need to carry a LOT of gear, then definitely a canoe. If I'm going out on a river or lake by myself, and not a LOT of gear, then definitely a kayak. If I'd like to have more of a connection to the person I'm with on the water, the I think there's more to be said for the canoe. If we're doing a trip where we'd like to move and fish, then the canoe makes more sense for me, as one person can canoe and the other can paddle.

But, I must say, that lately I'm really leaning much more toward the kayak.

-John

ChadTower · 12-24-2010, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLockard

If I'd like to have more of a connection to the person I'm with on the water, the I think there's more to be said for the canoe.

That is a big one that most people overlook. Canoeing can be a team endeavor. Kayaking is more like biking in that you're all there but you are not working together in any meaningful way most of the time.

Really, you can't say one is ever better than the other without having context of where you are going and why. Both have strengths and weaknesses.

jason · 12-24-2010, 11:20 AM

I love my kayak. I do not have to have someone else with me, I can carry a lot in it, and it gives me some freedom. But with kids and the wife, I will have to get a canoe soon so they can go with me.

Scout · 12-25-2010, 07:52 PM

I have both and for all the reasons above. I like to refer to the canoe as my Cadillac & my Kayak as my sports car. I find myself useing the kayak more because I prefer creeks/rivers & moving water over flat water where I would take the canoe. I have always wanted to go canoe camping but find it hard enough to get friends together as it is. Windows of time seem to be easier found with the kayak thrown on the roof & camping gear in the car then head out after work on a friday...just sayin'

Dennis1022 · 12-26-2010, 08:41 AM

I have always used a canoe, but I did buy a kayak couple years ago and used several times but it wsn't my cup of tea. Also if you had shoulder operation a kayak isn't the a good idea. Plenty of wear & tear on the rotor as the canoe you only pull not like the kayak you pedal! So if you are going to buy a kayak buy one with wide open cock pit so if you flip over easier to get out. Now as for the canoe don't buy any canoe that don't have a keel. The keel gives you balance on the canoe, I can stand and fish and even paddle but this comes with experience. So another thing to look at is weight transporting your canoe or kayak from water to water and to your vehichle. There is so many factors envolved to much to talk about in 1 forum it is your decision. Mine is a canoe, but that is me!

D Bish · 12-26-2010, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jason

I love my kayak. I do not have to have someone else with me, I can carry a lot in it, and it gives me some freedom. But with kids and the wife, I will have to get a canoe soon so they can go with me.

We bought a canoe when our son was 5 or 6. Today is his 40th birthday and we still have the same canoe. We have had many fun hours in the canoe. I had a kayak but it was stolen before I got to take it to the water so canoeing is my only experience. It would be hard to give up the old aluminum tub.

D.

Chippin · 12-26-2010, 09:20 PM

I prefer canoes to kayaks most of the time. Canoeing always feel more traditional and meaningful I suppose, since the other person you are with needs to know how to paddle for the canoe to go anywhere. I love to go out in the middle of the lake at night when the moon is full and it's not too cloudy. It's my idea of the poor man's romantic getaway and at a much cheaper cost. All you need is a special someone, a canoe, and a lake to use.

Scout · 12-27-2010, 01:01 PM

You know...the smart thing to do would be to spend this next season going to outfitters & renting each & trying them out have fun. Take a couple of runs down a river & paddle around a few lakes in both a kayak & a canoe. Check out what boats they are ask lots of questions & keep an eye out for a bargain on Craigs List or something before you spend a bunch a cash. Find out what suits your fancy before you buy a boat. Who's to say you even have to buy one there are plenty of small buissness/outfitters out there that could use your biz I'm sure. You will find your fancy.

Lorax · 12-27-2010, 03:16 PM

For me, it all depends on what I'll be doing, where I'll be going,what I'm carrying and if I'll be portaging.
I'll take my kayak if I expect a lot of wind and want to make miles. If I want to slow it down a little or if there's portaging, then the canoe suits my needs more.
I also have a small canoe paddled with a kayak paddle and the seat lowered for when I need something in between too.

Define your needs and try out a few different types of watercraft.