Canoeing

Canoeing is the recreational or sporting activity of paddling a canoe or kayak. It usually refers exclusively to using a paddle to propel a canoe or kayak with only human muscle power. A kayak is a closed-top boat and is propelled using a paddle with two blades, whereas canoes are open-topped boats (sometimes with a removable spray skirt) propelled using single- or double-bladed paddles. Confusingly, canoeing is used as a generic term for both forms, though the term "paddle sports" is also used. Open canoes may be 'poled' (punted), sailed, 'lined and tracked' (using ropes)or even 'gunnel-bobbed'.

Related Topics:
Sport - Paddling - Canoe - Kayak - Paddle

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In modern canoe sport, both canoes and kayaks may be closed-decked. Other than by the minimum competition specifications (typically length and width (beam))and seating arrangement it is difficult to differentiate most competition canoes from the equivalent competition kayaks. The most common difference is that competition kayaks are always seated, and competition canoes are generally kneeling. Exceptions include Canoe Marathon (in both European and American competitive forms) and sprint (high kneeling position). Whilst traditional 'canadian' canoes are seated, whitewater rodeo and surf variants increasingly employ the use of 'saddles' to give greater boat control under extreme conditions.

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'Sit on tops' are sealed-hull (unsinkable)craft which were developed in the past for low level leisure use, as derivatives from surfboards (eg paddle or wave skis), or for surf conditions. Variants include planing surf craft, touring kayaks, and sea marathon kayaks. Increasingly manufacturers are building leisure 'sit on top' variants of extreme sports craft, often supplanted with a skeg (fixed rudder) for directional stability. Other variants within the sport include inflatable kayaks and canoes(air boats) capable of extreme conditions.

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