What are canoes and kayaks made of and why do I care?

The canoe and kayak industries use a multitude of materials and processes in the manufacture of their products. Each material and process has advantages and disadvantages, depending on the primary use of the boat, which you will need to research further. A poly “plastic” boat will bounce off rocks so if you are planning on whitewater kayaking you should definitely look in this direction. You would definitely not want to take a carbon fusion kayak through the same whitewater, one mistake and you slam into a rock and you no longer have a boat.

If you own a cottage and the boat you are buying is going to be taken out of storage and brought to the dock for day paddling then weight is not a serious issue. On the other hand, if you have to load your boat onto a vehicle by yourself and take it to your paddling destination(s) then weight is definitely an issue. You are not going to use a boat you cannot manage on your own. Another piece of advice we can give you is to pick up the boat you are planning to purchase, if you cannot lift it over your head and control it, you will not be able to load it onto your vehicle.

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