Confusion is usually caused by the distinction between canoe and kayak, although there is also the so-called "Canadian". Canoe is basically the generic term for the small, elongated boats under which kayaks and Canadians also fall. Nevertheless, Canadians are colloquially usually referred to as canoes
Therefore, in oral usage, one primarily distinguishes between canoe and kayak. First, the two types of boats can be distinguished based on their origins. The canoe originated in North Africa and was used by the indigenous people there for transportation and hunting. The kayak was used by the Inuit for fishing and sailing on the open sea
A kayak is much narrower and shallower than a canoe and is also not completely open toward the top, but has a sort of seat opening. A canoe, on the other hand, is completely open and therefore offers more storage space and the possibility of being able to sail while kneeling
The kayak is propelled and steered with a double paddle, the canoe with a single paddle. When it comes to effective driving on different waters, a kayak is preferred for sporting activities, such as whitewater rafting, river rafting or similar, because it is faster and more maneuverable.