This is one of our most frequently asked questions as Spring arrives and interest in personal watercraft picks up. The short answer is they both can provide a wonderful way to enjoy the waterways of New England, but as paddling tools they differ depending on where you want to paddle and what you want to take with you. When I get around to it there will be a another post for those who have the time and inclination for my "long answer", but here's the summary...

Kayaks are better suited to exposed salt water or even exposed fresh water like Winnepesaki because they are more likely to be decked than canoes (but not always), because the paddling position lowers the center of gravity, because of hulls less exposed to wind, because they typically are less beamy (but not always), and finally because the double paddle is more handy in choppy and/or windy conditions.

Canoes, on the other hand, typically carry a greater load of gear and paddlers (but not always), and are easier to get into and out of. Canoes have historically dominated the U.S. paddling market (probably because of both terrain and tradition), but since about 1975 kayaks have become more popular in the U.S. to a point where they have replaced the canoe as the dominant personal watercraft, particularly in both coasts.

Perhaps this "short"? essay gives you the impression of great complexity in choosing a personal watercraft. If so, you're correct. That's why I hope you'll visit our shop so we can match your requirements to the many models of canoes and especially kayaks available. Besides, I may never get around to the "long answer". SEE! Pending the long answer you may find one of our pretty complete selection of canoeing and kayaking books of interest. For the size of our shop we carry an unusually large selection on how and where to canoe and kayak.