Whether taking a gentle paddle down a quiet river in a canoe, or twisting and turning down exciting rapids in a kayak, both options provide endless fun and incredible health benefits. When deciding on a canoe boat or a kayak boat, it’s important to know the key similarities and differences to ensure you make the right purchase and enjoy outdoor adventures like camping trips to the fullest.
Regardless of your preference between a canoe and kayak, you should also know how to properly store one to protect your investment between camping adventures.
Canoe vs Kayak: What are the similarities?
- Both provide great workouts: Regardless of which watercraft you choose, both a canoe and kayak will provide a great cardiovascular workout and increase muscle strength with low-impact exercise. It will get your blood pumping and body moving without worrying about the wear and tear you might experience from other workouts like running.
- Mental health benefits: Did you know that exercising near water has been shown to reduce depression? Besides, nothing will put you in a better mood than seeing a dolphin or turtle swim by in the open water. Both of these activities will not only impact your physical shape, but your mental health as well.
- Ideal for camping trips: Both modes of transportation are fantastic for bringing to the campsite to enjoy your free time, or even traveling there by boat if you are planning to camp on a beach. Both canoes and kayaks offer enough space to store belongings, from food and water to shade solutions.
Canoe vs Kayak: What are the differences?
- Weight: A canoe tends to be much heavier when compared with a kayak. That makes it tougher to maneuver, but the weight also may provide the extra stability on the water you may crave, especially if you’re a beginner. However, if you must carry your canoe or kayak a long way to the water, a kayak would be the lighter option, especially if you choose an inflatable product.
- Speed: When deciding between a conoe and kayak, think about the type of experience you’re looking for. If slow and steady is more your speed, a canoe might be your best bet. They are slower than kayaks because of their size and weight. If you plan to go a long distance and want the extra speed, kayaks will suit you.
- Storage: Although kayaks have storage options and are perfectly capable of transporting what you need for a quick daytrip or picnic, canoes simply have more storage space than your average kayak. If you plan on bringing a pop-up canopy or other camping equipment with you on your trip on the water, a canoe will be better equipped to handle more items.
Canoe vs Kayak: Which is Right for You?
When deciding between a canoe and kayak, think about the types of experiences you are looking for on the water. If you need a lightweight option that’s easy to transport across a campsite, and don’t need a ton of storage or space for a guest or your dog, a kayak boat could be ideal.
However, if you are looking for a slower and more stable experience and need more storage for things like a pop-up canopy or other camping equipment, you may need the space that a canoe boat can offer you. Whether you purchase kayak or a canow for camping, you’ll be sure to add a fun and exciting way to exercise and stay in shape while spending quality time with Mother Nature.
Canoe and Kayak Safety Tips
No matter which boat you choose, there are some common safety tips you should abide by to avoid injury or other serious issues on the water.
- Sun protection: Make sure to dress properly to avoid dangerous UV rays that can lead to skin cancer. Cover your legs and arms, and use a hat to block harmful rays that can cause skin cancer. Always use sunscreen and reapply throughout the day.
- Bring water and food: Even if you aren’t planning on a picnic or a break on land during your trip on the water, you should always bring plenty of food and water in to fuel your energy. In addition, if anything unexpected happens, you’ll have enough food to last you through the day.
- Bring a phone (and a waterproof case): Weather can be unpredictable and so can the water. Invest in a dry bag that can carry your phone to alert authorities or family members where you are in case of an emergency.
- Distress signals: Depending on where you’re located, you may not have cell phone service on the water or at the campsite. If you need help, a distress signal like a flare or smoke stick can catch the attention of rescuers and save your life.
- Repair kit: Always examine your entire boat before taking off on the water to check for cracks, holes, or other signs of wear and tear that may turn into a problem. It’s also nice to have a repair kit if you’re taking out a plastic kayak to mend any issues that may come up on your campsite.
Storing a Canoe and Kayak to Protect Your Investment
Whether you choose a kayak boat or a canoe for camping, it’s important to protect the investment by storing it away from the elements. Whether you stow it away on a wall-mounted rack or a portable stand, an outdoor shed or garage is the ideal spot to keep it away from harmful UV rays and other harsh weather that can cause damage. Here are two reliable and affordable options for any kayak or canoe enthusiast.
Shed-in-a-Box
The Shed-in-a-Box has extra headroom which can easily accommodate a kayak or canoe, along with other camping equipment like fishing poles that may need extra space. This shed is manufactured with powder coated steel and is covered with an ultra- durable polyethylene fabric to protect your belongings. This product also includes:
- ShelterLock bolt-connected frame stabilizers for a strong structure
- 4 steel anchors to secure shed to the ground
- Rust- and corrosion-resistant frame
Garage-in-a-Box
The popular Garage-in-a-Box is large enough to fit an SUV or truck, which means your kayak boat or canoe boat will fit without a problem. Portable and easy to assemble, the all-steel frame will keep your belongings safe from wind, rain, and harsh sun. This product also includes:
- Triple-layer ripstop polyethylene cover UV treated inside and out
- Reinforced door rafter design for stronger frame
- Easy Slide Cross Rail system for seamless cover fit
Canoe vs. Kayak: Both Ideal Choices for Outdoor Enthusiasts
When choosing between a canoe and kayak, it’s all about the experience you are looking to have out on the water. Both activities will increase your physical health and provide mental health benefits that cannot be understated.
No matter which option you invest in, make sure to follow the same safety guidelines on any trip out on the water by being ready for emergency situations and protecting yourself from the sun and overexposure to the heat.
Finally, whether storing your watercraft in the offseason or just for a few days, it’s important to place it in an outdoor shed or garage that will protect your belongings from damage. The better shape your kayak or canoe boat remains in, the safer you will be out on the water for years to come.
