It depends on the experience you desire.
A kayak is ideal for a single paddler. Kayaks are swift and easily maneuverable. The kayaks we rent at Shawnee are very stable. They are more stable than canoes, but less stable than rafts. A kayak is the perfect craft for a paddler who is confident in their skills and desires more independence.
A canoe requires two paddlers. Canoes are very fast but less maneuverable than kayaks. While the canoes we rent at Shawnee are very stable, they can tip and it is important that passengers do not stand or lean too far in canoes. Canoes are larger vessels and can store more items than a kayak. Canoes are great for parties of 2 or 3 who prefer to share a watercraft and desire to have more maneuverability and speed than a raft.
A raft is perfect for parties four or greater. Rafts at The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort accommodate 4 – 8 paddlers. Rafts are incredibly stable. While it is easy to maneuver a raft, it is less maneuverable than a canoe or kayak. Rafts are also the slowest vessel we rent at Shawnee. Families and groups of friends love rafts. Rafts are perfect for youth paddlers.