The paddles
Canoe: canoe paddles have one blade and are moved side to side in order to move the boat.
Kayak: kayak paddles have a blade on each end of the paddle.

The sitting position
Canoe: In a canoe, the paddler usually sits in a kneeling position.
Kayak: In a kayak, the paddler usually sits on a low seat with their legs stretched in front of them.

Structure of the boat 
Canoe: Canoes are usually pointed at both ends, normally having an open deck.
Kayak: Kayaks, on the other hand, are usually close-decked - the inside of the kayak is enclosed and surrounds the paddler.

Weight 
Kayaks are generally narrower in structure and lighter in weight than canoes.

Speed
Kayaks are designed to be faster and more agile than canoes

A canoe is a long, narrow boat with a large open cockpit area. Paddlers sit or kneel and use a single blade paddle while facing the direction of travel. The paddler switches the paddle from side to side to move the boat forward through the water.

A kayak is often a closed-deck boat with a small opening to sit in. Paddlers sit on a low seat with their legs stretched in front of them and use a double-bladed paddle (a blade on each end) while facing the direction of travel. The paddler alternates each blade while holding the paddle in the middle to move the boat forward through the water.

A kayak is often lighter weight, narrower in structure and designed to be faster and more agile than canoes.  

Kayak paddles have a blade on each end whereas canoe paddles have one blade and a t-grip handle.

Sea kayak paddles are long with a thin blade on each end, they are designed to give you more power through the water over a longer period of time. White water kayak paddles are shorter as they are designed to give more power when going through rapids and drops.

Canoe paddle blades are shaped depending on the terrain, deep water, shallow water or advanced white water.

Sit on top kayaks are perfect for beginners and children, as well as families. They are easy to paddle and incredibly stable. The boat is not enclosed, removing the fear of being trapped. Sit on top kayaks come in several variations - solo, tandem and three person boats. The option to have more than one person in a boat at the time means that learners can be supported.

Recreational kayaks are also great boats for beginners and children because of their stability and other confidence-boosting features. They can be used to practice maneuvers and get used to the water.

Sit on top kayaks come in several variations- solo, tandem and three person boats. This means that there is the option to have more than one person in a boat at the time which is great because it means the whole family can come along and be supported by adults. They can take a lot of abuse, are stable, and if they capsize, they are easy to right again.

Touring kayaks are designed to be stable on the water, comfortable to sit in, easy to get into and cater for all paddling abilities. For this reason, they are good option for families wanting to paddle on a local stretch of water.

Canoes have a large carrying capacity so are also ideal for families.

Canoes have a large carrying capacity, so are ideal for families & groups for activities such as canoe camping trips. Canoes are best suited for use on sheltered water such as rivers, canals and lakes.

Touring kayaks have plenty of storage for equipment. They are ideal for calm coastal paddling, rivers and lakes.

Sea kayaks are between 15 and 19 feet in length and are designed to cover distance while carrying gear. They have a bigger cargo capacity than whitewater kayaks.

The family sit on tops can be used on beach and coast alike. With a stable, keeled hull and fully outfitted, they have plenty of storage and so are good for adventures.

Playboating is surfing and performing technical moves in whitewater features such as waves and eddies, in a special kayak called a playboat.

Creeking (sometimes called steep creeking or treetop boating or creekboating) is a branch of canoeing and kayaking that involves descending very steep low-volume whitewater

Whitewater kayaks are generally shorter than other kayaks. They are designed to be extremely manoeuvrable - able to surf waves and perform playboating tricks.

Rocker is the curvature of the hull from bow to stern. More rocker allows for greater manoeuvrability because the bow and stern have to face less resistance as less of the boat is in the water.

Crossover kayaks are a hybrid design multi-purpose boat. They are capable of taking on rapids, sea kayaking and flat-water touring.

Sit on top kayaks are versatile and fun. They have no cockpit, meaning that rather than sitting in the boat, you sit on top of it. They can be used by anyone and uses include family paddling, fishing, fun and fitness training. Stable and easy to paddle (including for beginners), sit on tops can be used on the ocean, rivers, estuaries, canals and lakes alike.

A SUP is a Stand Up Paddle Board. SUPs are great for improving balance, strength, and endurance. Stand up paddle boarding is fun, a great workout and easy to learn, so anyone can do it!

Action kayaks are fast and responsive kayaks for serious whitewater kayakers and all-out fun. Suitable for rivers and play, they have the following features:

A fast planing hull for less drag in the water
A full length rail for speed
A tapered stern for tail dips

A SUP is a Stand Up Paddle Board. SUPs are great for improving balance, strength, and endurance. Stand up paddle boarding is fun, a great workout and easy to learn, so anyone can do it!

Yes! Whether you are a total beginner getting into a boat for the first time or an experienced waterfall junky, Canoe Centre has the enthusiasm, expertise and experience to get you started or to bring your paddling to an international level!  

Yes! Canoe Centre offers Instructor & Coach Training with some of Ireland’s most experienced trainers and assessors.

Yes we do! We collaborate with and support schools and teachers to maximise the learning opportunities that paddlesports offer, while keeping costs down for schools and students.  

Yes, we have a range of club specification kayaks especially for kayaking clubs, which are suitable for children and beginners.
Our selection of club specification kayaks are perfect for learning the basics and progressing to moving water, with features that aim to boost confidence.

We also sell canoes, which are also suitable for clubs. 

Sometimes! While we don't take trade in's on used kayaks, we do occasionally sell off our ex-demo kayaks. Get in touch to see if we currently have anything available.

Dagger
Wave Sport
Wilderness Systems
Perception
Islander
Bellyak

Exo Kayaks

Hou Canoe
Mad River Canoe