is a canoe or a kayak more stable - two red canoes being paddled down the river

Is a Canoe or Kayak More Stable? It Depends on the Water

If you’re new to paddling or shopping for a new paddling vessel, you may be wondering what is the most stable boat you can get that is least likely to flip. Both canoes and kayaks are options, but there are so many different varieties, how do you know which is more stable? You want to choose the right one for you, but it can be difficult to determine whether a canoe or a kayak is more stable. 

Canoe and kayak stability is determined by the type of water on which they’re used. For calm water, canoes are typically more stable because the wider and flatter bottom provides more stability to the paddler. But, on choppier water, the V-shaped hull of the kayak provides more stability as it is better able to lean with the water instead of being flipped by it.  

Below we’ll discuss how the structure of the canoe or kayak provides the paddler with stability in different water conditions so that we can determine which boat type and shape may be best for you on your next paddling adventure. 

is a canoe or a kayak more stable - two red canoes being paddled down the river

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Defining Stability for Canoes and Kayaks

Kayaks have two types of stability determined by their shape and each is better for different water conditions. 

Primary stability in a vessel is what makes you feel stable when you get into it on calm water. A vessel with a lot of primary stability doesn’t make you feel like you’re going to flip when entering it. 

Secondary stability does’t have the same feeling, but it is much more dynamic giving you and the boat more stability in navigating choppier waters. So, although it won’t feel as stable initially, vessels with secondary stability are more stable in harsher water conditions. 

Primary Stability: You Feel Stable in Calm Waters

Most beginner paddlers and anyone paddling on calm water are mostly looking for vessels with primary stability. Primary stability is best described by that feeling you get when sitting in the boat for the first time. Do you feel like you’re not going to topple over? Was it relatively easy to get into the hull? If so, then the boat has a lot of primary stability. 

Primary stability provides you with balance in calm waters and results in you toppling out of your vessel much less. The structure that provides this type of stability is large, flat bottoms. 

Since your standard canoe bottom is typically wide, smooth, and flat it’s the quintessential primary stability vessel. But, certain kayaks like sit-on-top yaks or intro casual kayaks like this Pelican also contain a lot of primary stability. 

When entering and using these vessels you’ll flow through calm water without feeling unsteady. Only if you excessively rock your boat or lean way over into the water are you in danger of toppling out. 

So, if you’re looking to feel stable when paddling on calm waters, then you’ll want to go with a canoe or one of the kayaks with a flatter, wider bottom. 

is a canoe or a kayak more stable - green white water kayak flipping over in water

Secondary Stability: The Dynamic Stability Supporting You in Choppy Waters

Dynamic stability is less about feeling stable (as it often doesn’t feel stable), but about making it much easier and more stable for you to flow with the water as it moves.  Getting into a boat with a lot of secondary dynamic stability won’t feel stable – you may even topple out of it when trying to get inside. But, this type of stability shines when you hit choppier water conditions. 

This is because dynamic stability in the paddling vessel allows you to have a much better feel and more control over the vessel when moving  through choppier water. This stability helps you to remain upright and headed in the direction you intended even through heavy waves, or wind. 

This stability type is provided by the structure of the vessel having a shallow hull, usually in the shape of an arch or “V”. When you first get into a vessel with more dynamic stability you’ll feel more like you’re going to tip over. But when you get into choppy water you’ll find that dynamic stability will give you much more control and make you feel less dragged around by the water. 

Dynamic stability is found often in whitewater kayaks, but canoes with a v-shape hull or those designed for whitewater, can work as well. 


Wondering if a canoe or a kayak is more stable? Hopefully you’ve found your answer that it really depends on the water. Calmer waters are better suited for flat-bottom canoes or kayaks, while choppier waters are better for the v-shaped hulls of whitewater kayaks. 

For other tips like these check out our kayaking tips page so you can be even more confident getting on the water. 

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