GEOGUIDE » About Sea Kayak

What is the difference between a kayak and a canoe ?

There are three main distinctions :

1. Geographical :
Kayaks came to us from the peoples living in the Arctic Circle, such as the Inuits whereas the canoe is from the American Indians also called the Native Americans.

2. The Position :
Kayaking is practiced sitting down whereas canoeing may be done kneeling.

3. The paddle used :
A kayaker uses a double paddle (blade on both ends). A single paddle (blade on 1 end) is used for canoeing.

 Initially a kayak was built of driftwood covered with seal or walrus skins. A canoe had a wooden structure then was covered with tree bark or skins. Both of these crafts can be open or closed and built to hold from 1, 2 or 4 persons.

 These two practices are grouped together at the French Canoeing & Kayaking Federation.

 Sea Kayaking - Definition :
A very traditional boat, the sea kayak is a direct descendant of the Eskimo kayak. If these boats are now built of polyester, Kevlar or polyethylene instead of seal or walrus skins, the shape today is still quite close to the original model. This tapering, streamlined craft, with very little draft has fine tips which cut through the waves. Propelled by a double paddle, it is very stable.

 Sea Kayaking - More « Official » Definition :
Sea kayaks are defined in France as lightweight pleasure boats.
Sea kayaks are classified into two categories:

 Category C : Vessel for navigation close to shore, in bays, estuaries, lakes and rivers (wind f. 6, waves 2 m).
Category D: Vessel for navigation in protected waters, small lakes, rivers and canals (wind f. 4, waves 0.5 m).
The distances from shelter (2 nautical miles and 5 nautical miles) do not define the categories, but regulations of navigation.

 The Equipment :
To navigate up to 2 nautical miles from shore, all boats must have the following equipment on board :

  • 1 life jacket (European Norms) per person on board
  • a rope for mooring, equipped with a snap shackle, at least as long as the boat  
  • a spare paddle
  • a means to ensure the water-tightness of the man-hole(s) except for sit on tops
  • A bale tied to the boat with a rope, or a bilge pump except if the cockpit is self-emptying
  • a deck cleat or equivalent, to allow towing
  • a lifeline
  • a signal light (waterproof flashlight, light stick...)

To navigate further than 2 nautical miles and up to 5 nautical miles from shelter, the following additional list is also required:
  • a working waterproof torch
  • a magnetic compass certified by one of the following norms: ISO 613, ISO 10316, ISO 14227
  • 3 red hand flares as per division 311 of the "sailing equipment"
  • a fog horn
  • a nautical chart of the navigation zone
  • a mirror for signalling
  • a means to help execute an Eskimo roll, or a paddle flotation device, except for sit on tops