Fitness for Fun: Canoeing vs. Kayaking

At SD PERSONAL TRAINER, we love our kayaking outings. However, when talking about canoeing versus kayaking… both are fun, but which one gets you better exercise?

While the bottom line of this question is really figuring out which one will get you out to use it more often, there are some physics involved once you get out on the water.

When paddling a canoe, you have more option to relax between strokes and be more secure in the water. Paddling the kayak helps you remain stable so you ware more likely to have a continuous stroke pattern to maintain upright in the water. This means that you will probably by more engaged in continuously in cardiovascular exercise.

A kayak will provide more control as long as you are paddling and also react faster and with more ease in any situation. It also allows for more speed, which can be more difficult while canoeing.

However, the lack of speed in the canoe can lead to other potential benefits – strength.


By the nature of a canoe, you can stow more gear and people than in a kayak. This not only adds weight while you are paddling but, aside from the shape of the canoe, it also causes more drag on the canoe. The more boat that is in the water, the more resistance it will meet. Canoes generally sit wider in the water. While your typical kayak is very light, a heavier canoe will require and build more strength as you paddle through the water.

The bottom line is that both a great exercise and it is best to choose the one that is most accessible to you.

Fitness for Fun: Choosing Your Kayak

Whether you are looking for purchase or to rent one for the day, you should know that there are several different types of kayaks to choose from. “Sit on top” kayaks have an open area to sit on, as opposed the “cockpit” style that we use at SD PERSONAL TRAINER for our items. “Cockpit” kayaks have an enclosed area for your legs.

Some kayaks have a “spray skirt” that creates a water resistant seal about your lower body.

Inflatable kayaks are great for those who may not have the facilities to store and haul the larger, traditional style of kayak. These are a hybrid of the “sit on top” and “cockpit” styles. They have an open deck, but the rider sits below the deck area.

Tandem kayaks are great for a two person outing. Riding in a kayak with a partner can be even more fun when you row in coordination with each other. Kayaks are not only a great way to get exercise, but also are an excellent mode of transportation for fishing, camping and exploration.

There are a variety of different materials that kayaks can be made of. Some materials are lighter than others. The type of material, and thereby the weight of the kayak will play a major factor in its price.

The heavier kayaks are often made of fiberglass, while plastic and Kevlar will be lighter.

Beginners should start out by figuring out how and where they want to use their kayak and renting the style that they think will be right for them. Guided kayak tours are a great way to learn how to maneuver the boat.

Fitness for Fun: Kayaking

With the amount of water around us, San Diego is a great place to get outside and enjoy kayaking. Kayaking is not only fun, but a great fitness activity also. Kayaking is different than canoeing in the position of the paddler and the equipment used. A kayak paddle has blades on both sides, which a canoe paddle only has the blade on one side.


A kayak is a boat where the paddler faces forward and their legs are positioned in front. Most kayaks are closed, though some are designed for the paddler to sit on top. These kinds of top-riding kayaks are gaining popularity. There are also some inflatable kayaks. These make kayaking more available to those who may not have the facility to haul around a larger boat.
The difference from a canoe is that a paddler may sit or kneel in the boat and use a single bladed paddle. Canoes can be either open or closed.

Kayaking can be either peaceful and quiet or focused on speed and fitness on smooth water or exhilarating and exciting, focusing on balance and skill, in rough water.

Whitewater kayaking involves taking a kayak down river rapids while sea kayaking, ocean kayaking or touring, involves taking the kayak out into open water, such as the ocean or a lake. Sea kayaking uses shorter paddles.

To kayak, one should be in good physical condition. Of course a workout plan such as CROSSFIT 619 is a great place to start. Even the experienced kayaker can end up in the water so it is also important to know how to swim.

Kayaks are classified by their use. The primary types of kayaks are known as polo, slalom, whitewater, surf, touring, light touring, sprint and general recreation.


Wile one may want a general recreation kayak for a day fishing on the lake, they may want whitewater kayak for a day on a rougher river. Not all kayaks handle the same, so know your purchase before renting or especially before purchasing one.


Kayaks can be made of metal, fiberglass, wood, plastic or inflatable fabrics such as PVC or rubber. Each material has a different advantage and is used appropriately with its kayak style and purpose.