Experienced canoers can navigate a river that is swollen with rains and running rapidly. It is a good idea for the rest of us to wait for the water to subside somewhat. Before actually purchasing a canoe or kayak, it pays to consider what type would be best for you to own. Once the only canoe available was made of wood and bark. This was the beginning of various materials used to construct canoes.
Construction now varies from fiberglass and plastic to contemporary fibers.
Wooden canoes, while traditional, are time and labor intensive, making them quite expensive. In addition, they are also the most fragile and are certainly not suitable for white water. Traditionalists might consider purchasing a wood canoe kit for the fun of building it and to cut the cost of a traditional canoe. Aluminum canoes are the most popular of all canoes. Inspired by aircraft technology, they are made from twin halves connected by a keel that has stem plates riveted over a longitudinal seam.