The choice of kayak or canoe depends on what purpose and in what conditions you want to use the kayak or canoe.

In recent years, the so-called sit-on-top kayaks have become very popular. These are durable and stable polyethylene boats for one, two or three people that have a fully open deck. Sit-on-top kayaks with few exceptions are mainly for fun, play and fishing (recreational kayak). There are several round holes in the bottom for draining the water because in this type of kayak you sit above the waterline. Thus, traditional kayaks received a new qualification, namely sit-in kayaks (sitting inside).

You would prefer a sit-on-top kayak if:

• This is your first kayak, you want to gain experience and see if you like kayaking before you go for a sit-in kayak
• You use the kayak mainly in the summer
• You need it mostly for fun and play
• You intend to kayak not far from the shore and in light and moderate wind. When kites go out to sea, you go ashore. If  “white horses” appear, you’d enjoy resting under an umbrella or surf the waves near the shore.
• You want to feel extremely stable in the kayak, to get on and out of it relatively easily, even in deep water
• You want to take a small child with you in the boat. Or your pet
• You don’t mind getting wet, especially your buttom is often wet
• You are not attracted to paddling in fast rivers
• You want to use the kayak for fishing

If you have already chosen the Sit-On-Top kayak type, switch to choosing a Single Sit-On-Top Kayak or a Double Sit-On-Top Kayak. If you haven’t decided yet, read more about choosing a single or double kayak.

You would prefer a sit-in kayak if:

• You are a beginner, but you want to skip the semester with a sit-on-top kayak
• You want to be able to make full-day or multi-day trips
• You want to take a tent, food, camping utensils, clothes and more.
• You want to feel safe and prepared for adverse conditions, such as stronger winds, higher waves, cold or rain
• You want to stay dry
• You want to maintain a decent speed over long distances without getting significantly tired
• You want to be able to achieve, if needed, greater speed in adverse conditions
• You plan to cross large open spaces
• You want to kayak in all seasons
• You want to take part in the annual regattas on the Danube and Arda for example
• You want to learn how to roll
• You want to join one of the kayak clubs and be able to take part in all the activities of its members

If you have already chosen the Sit-in kayak type, switch to choosing a Single Sit-in Kayak or a Double Sit-in Kayak. If you haven’t decided yet, read more about choosing a single or double kayak. join one of the kayak clubs and be able to take part in all the activities of its members.

You would prefer a canoe if:

• You want to put the whole family in one boat
• You want to take your pet with you always
• Fishing is your passion
• You have a house on the shore of a quiet lake, dam or navigable canal
• You like the comfort of a wide space
• You want to load a lot of luggage
• You like to paddle down relatively high and not very fast rivers
• You are a photographer (many kayaks are also good for this)
• You do not want to paddle far from the shore and in strong winds

If you have already chosen a canoe, go for choosing your canoe.