What are the main differences between canoes & kayaks?

The canoes available today are closely related to those used by American Indians (hence the term 'Canadian'). Most are made from composite materials and can be paddled by 1 to 4 people.

Kayaks are related to those used by Eskimos for hunting but made with modern materials. The range of kayaks available is large, covering the many varied specialization's (sea kayaking, touring, surfing, whitewater, freestyle etc).

 

Which Canoe/Kayak is right for you?

Recreational Kayaks

Recreational Canoes - eg KIWI 1

These boats are stable with a large open cockpit. Fun to paddle on calm/sheltered water. Excellent for beginners or those who want a gentle paddle. They are good family boats and are available in singles or doubles. Boats worth looking at are the Santee or any of the Hurricane line.

Sit - On - Top's

These are a range of kayaks without a cockpit that you sit-on-top. They are wide, stable and self-draining fun boats for all the family. These kayaks are made of plastic, polyethylene.

General Purpose

Good all-round boats that are used to teach paddling skills by clubs and centres. Ideal for those who don't want to paddle in extreme conditions. Kayaks for all sizes of paddler.

Touring Kayaks


Longer boat's that track well with storage compartments for camping and other kit. Ideal for calmer coastal paddling, lakes and canals. Faster than general purpose boats and sometimes fitted with a rudder or skeg. Singles and doubles available.

Sea Kayaks


Sea kayaks are faster with a smaller cockpit. They track well and are suitable for touring and on the open sea. Hatches allow for storage of expedition equipment. Often fitted with a retractable skeg or rudder. Some boats are made from plastics and others are built from composites.

Whitewater and Surf Kayaks


Short high performance kayaks with a closed cockpit. Paddled in surf and whitewater in more extreme conditions. These boats are for experienced paddlers only and training essential.
There is a huge range of boats to choose from. These kayaks are made of plastic, polyethylene.

Open Canoes

Open Canoes / Canadian Canoes

Open Canoe paddlers use a single bladed paddle. Ideal for solos, tandem or family canoeing, lake & river touring, carrying one or more paddler and their equipment.