canoe

A canoe is a lightweight, narrow watercraft pointed at both ends and propelled by a paddler using a single-bladed paddle. It is usually open on top, and one or more people can sit or kneel while paddling. Canoes are used for transportation, recreation, and sport, and they come in a range of sizes and configurations.

The term canoe derives from Carib or Arawak roots and entered English via Spanish canoa. Traditionally, canoes were carved from hollowed-out logs or made from bark. Modern canoes are built from wood, aluminum, fiberglass, Kevlar, or rotomolded plastics, and many hulls are designed for stability, load-carrying capacity, or speed.

Canoes can be paddled solo or with a partner. Solo canoes are generally shorter and narrower, while tandem canoes accommodate two or more paddlers. Uses include flatwater touring, river running (whitewater), and expeditions across long distances. Racing and expedition models exist, with hulls optimized for stability, maneuverability, or speed.

Indigenous peoples of North America developed numerous canoe styles suited to local waterways, notably birchbark canoes used across the Great Lakes region. Canoes facilitated transportation, trade, and cultural exchange long before motorized craft arrived, influencing European exploration and adaptations of the design.

Today canoes remain popular for recreation, sport, and wilderness travel. Safety considerations include wearing a personal flotation device, using appropriate paddling techniques, and preparing for weather and portage. Environmental stewardship and responsible paddling are commonly emphasized in contemporary use.