Choosing a canoe for yourself is one of the most important things you must buy when heading off to a lake. Canoes are some of the best boats you can use to enjoy the lake. However, deciding what you want in your first canoe may be difficult. Many people think that they can buy any canoe. However, that is not the case.

The article below explains how to choose your first canoe so you can glide down the lake in peace.

Decide Your Paddling Plans

A canoe is a boat that you do need to paddle with. The paddling can be of any kind. However, you have to decide which paddling would work for you. You also need to know the amount of gear you want to keep with you and the number of paddles you wish to keep. An idea of how the paddling would proceed is the best way to go about it.

Know Your Type

There are many different types of canoes available, and you should be aware of these types so that you can make an informed decision:

Recreational Canoes

These canoes are ones where you don’t have to put in much effort. These are great for flatwater paddling. They are easy to control and ideal for birding, photography, and other activities that you want to engage in for fun.

Versatile/Multi-Purpose Canoes

There are many uses for canoes as they can handle calm lakes and white waters that are too quick. Many high-tripping canoes are designed to handle big gear loads.

River Canoes

If you’re not going to spend all your time on a lake and focus on river canoes instead, you would want to buy one that supports your adventures on the river. These canoes are made from hardier substances and are corrosion and impact resistant.

Size Matters

You can have a smaller canoe if you only plan to use it yourself. However, if you want to fit other people into the boat, you would need a similar boat.

Length

Canoes that are 16-17 feet long would be the perfect fit. They come with a comprehensive list of advantages. They have a good carrying capacity and offer a good combination of speed. These canoes can also stay on a course more quickly, so if you want to have long trips, these are your best chances of size.

Width

The wider the beam, the greater your stability will be. Narrower boats allow you to have more speed and control over your ship. However, little boats can be more prone to current changes so they might tip over.

Design Features

Other design features are also essential for you to take care of:

Hull

There are generally four different hull shapes. These include the flat canoe bottoms, rounded canoe bottoms, and shallow arch bottoms, all of which provide a different kind of utility.

Side Shape

Canoe sides flare out the waves and allow the boat’s safe and quick passage through the water.

Final Thoughts

Are you still wondering which canoe to pick? You can learn more about the kind of canoe you should buy if you visit the Nor Col EZ Dock website for quality canoes and floating docks. The company also offers do-it-yourself docks, covered floating docks, plastic docks, kayak launches, etc. For a quote and more information, call (800) 654-8168.