Canoes

1. A huge variety of canoes exist - from the recreational canoe for the beginner or casual camper, to the whitewater canoe for the experienced water adventurer. Know what you're looking for when you're shopping. Think about number of passengers, purpose, and mode of operation in order to make the most informed decision.

2. The shape and design of a canoe will determine both its speed and maneuverability, not simply your comfort level and gear space. Consider length, symmetry, and keel line, which will all affect distance expectations, agility, and performance.

3. All-purpose recreational canoes are designed to offer users stability on the water, while not specifically meant for speed or excellent maneuvering. These canoes are great for lakes and slow rivers, where families can paddle, relax, and fish.

4. Touring canoes (also known as river tripping canoes) are engineered to handle faster moving rivers and streams. While not primarily dedicated to stability, these canoes do provide maximum maneuverability for turns and quickness.

5. Whitewater canoes are meant specifically for traversing rough, large rapids. Designed for experienced adventurers and advanced water enthusiasts, these canoes are meant to move through rapids quickly, not for holding lots of accessories or equipment.

6. Check out inflatable canoes and fishing canoes, too. Inflatable canoes are great for lightweight buoyancy, and fold down for easy storage. Fishing canoes are smart choices for the economical fisherman or woman, usually featuring tons of gear space.

7. Fiberglass canoes are extremely popular choices because the material is so lightweight - great for paddlers and fishermen. However, be sure that you are getting a high-quality fiberglass canoe, as poor-quality canoes can be short-lived.

8. Consider aluminum canoes if you want a longer lasting piece that features little to no maintenance. These canoes are generally cheaper and can be left out in harsh weather. However, aluminum can be heavy and stick to rocks.

9. Kevlar canoes provide an ideal combination of strength and weight. This means a Kevlar canoe can be both extremely lightweight and also extremely strong. However, they are generally more costly, so only get what you need!

10. Wooden canoes have always been popular for their aesthetic look and feel, even though they are quite fragile. Certain technologies are now available to help lengthen the life of your wood canoe, such as water-tight epoxy films and varnishes.