Sueshore said:
Which is easier...canoeing or kayaking?
Well that is a tough question. Although they are similar, they are a bit different. Typically, kayaking requires a bit more steadiness so that you don't tip over. The good thing is that your center of gravity is very low in kayaks so tipping over is not too common in calm water.
Canoeing may be a bit more difficult. For one reason, the height of the canoe adds wind resistence and paddling can be more difficult on windy lakes. Also the center of gravity is higher than the kayak and some canoes can be tippy. Canoes, like Kayaks can be designed for different features. Some are long and skinny for faster speed in smooth water while other boats are shorter and wider for easier maneuverabilty and greater stability. Most of the canoes that people rent tend to be wider bodied so that canoe is more stabile.
Most people probably find Kayaking easier to handle. Get the single seat kayak and you may find it easier to get around in than having to communicate something you know little about (kayaking) with another person in the boat. That part may be another project in itself. There are sit on tops (kayaks) and there are sit ins. Both are great. The sit ins found around here will not lock you in as many people fear after watching people white water kayak in the rough rivers of eastern TN. These kayaks are a little different. If you want a free trial of some kayaks, contact Marlese at the
Kayak Experience in Destin, located on the Harbour. She host demo days once a month. I think it is on the first Sat of the month, but you can contact her to find out for sure. Mostly, she carries higher end kayaks but they will give you the feel and you can explore the Destin Harbour and see some Dolphins. While you are there, shop around. She carries other funn things too, like Chaco's, navigational maps, river maps to kayak or canoe, etc. Marlese is another example of good local peeps. ;-)