Besides the differences in their basic design, the main difference between the two is based on how the user sits in the unit. For a kayak, the user sits inside, whereas with these products users typically kneel on the base, or they sit on a raised seat. Kayaks have a paddle with dual blades on each end to promote speed, and these products typically only utilize a paddle with one blade. Kayaks typically only hold one traveler, and there usually isn’t a whole lot of additional space for gear. These products often have a massive weight capacity not only for additional gear but for multiple passengers. To put it more simply- kayaks were designed to travel fast, whereas canoes are made for a more leisurely pace.