To choose the proper canoe, you must make an evaluation of your intended needs and uses. The four main types of canoes are recreation, touring, river-running and sporting. Recreation canoes are perfect for paddling across a quiet lake or pond. They don't have the performance features of specialized canoes, but their stability makes them the choice for families and newcomers to the sport of paddling. Touring canoes are normally long and narrow, designed for efficiency and speed. River-running canoes are high volume canoes designed for whitewater and/or carrying large loads. They're built to withstand heavy abuse. Sporting canoes are designed for a variety of outdoor activities. They are versatile enough to be paddled, rowed or motored. Canoes can be made from wood, canvas, aluminum or fiberglass. Depending on the material they're constructed from, they can weigh between 30 and 120 pounds. Canoes are generally between 12 and 20 feet Long. Their cost can run from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.
