Canoe or Kayak: How to choose the ideal vessel for your adventure on the Loire?

Two ways to navigate, two different experiences

Canoe and kayak are two ideal vessels for exploring the Loire. Each offers a unique experience, and it’s important to understand their specificities to choose the one that best suits your desires and practice.

The distinctive characteristics of the canoe and kayak

Although they share a common purpose, canoes and kayaks differ in several aspects:

The paddle: The canoe is paddled with a smaller “single paddle” (one blade), and the kayak is navigated with a larger “double paddle” (two blades).
The position: In a canoe, you sit on a bench with legs folded in front of you or kneeling with legs under the bench. In a kayak, you sit directly on the seat which is on the hull of the boat, with legs extended.
The stability: The canoe is wider and more stable than the kayak, making it more suitable for beginners and families, although our double kayaks are also very stable.
The maneuverability: The kayak is more maneuverable than the canoe, which makes it more suitable for white waters and technical maneuvers. For our easy hikes, either is a good choice.
The comfort: The canoe offers better comfort for long distances, thanks to its woven cord seat and the higher position allowing easier movement.

History and manufacture:

Kayaks, originating from arctic regions, were traditionally constructed from seal skins stretched over a wooden frame. Today, they are made from modern materials like plastic, composite, or carbon.

Canoes, used by indigenous peoples of North America, were initially made from birch bark or cedar. Today, the same materials used for modern kayaks are used.

Common misconceptions about kayaks and canoes!

“The kayak is for one person, the canoe for several”: False! There are two-seater kayaks and single-seater canoes.

“The kayak is closed, the canoe is open”: Not always true! Some kayaks like the ones we rent are open (sit-on-top) and some canoes can be decked to protect from bad weather.

“The kayak is harder to handle than the canoe”: This depends on the practice and type of vessel. Both require specific learning.

How to choose?

The choice between kayak and canoe depends on your personal preferences and the use you wish to make of it:

Want a day trip or a weekend, opt for the kayak.

Do you prefer to go on an adventure for several days and need space for your gear? The canoe is for you.

Whether you choose the kayak or the canoe, the essential thing is to enjoy your experience on the water! Don’t hesitate to contact us for personalized advice before making your choice.

Do you want to book, have a question, or need information?

More advice before setting off on the Loire together?

Our teams are at your disposal to organize the walk that suits you. Don’t hesitate to contact us for all your questions and desires.

We look forward to taking you on the Loire.

Our tips for organizing your outing on the Loire

Do you have a question?

Would you prefer to talk to us on the phone to book, have questions, want to chat with us, don’t hesitate.

We are at your disposal to organize your outing on the Loire.