The main difference between a canoe and a kayak lies in the design of the boats and the positioning of the paddlers.

A canoe typically has an open top and is paddled with a single-bladed paddle by one, two or four paddlers who kneel inside the boat. As the canoe has no rudder, it is used a J-stroke technique to keep the canoe moving straight.

The kayak has a closed cockpit and is paddled with a double-bladed paddle by one, two or four persons who sit with their legs extended in front of them. The paddler uses a forward stroke technique to propel the kayak forward. The direction of the boat is controlled by a rudder assembled in the stern.

In flatwater races, there are separate events for canoeing and kayaking. Canoeing events are usually divided into canoe singles (C1), canoe doubles (C2), and canoe fours (C4), while kayaking events are divided into kayak singles (K1), kayak doubles (K2), and kayak fours (K4).

Overall, canoes and kayaks differ in their design, paddling technique, and positioning of the paddlers. While canoes are typically paddled by athletes using a single-bladed paddle while kneeling, kayaks are paddled using a double-bladed paddle while sitting with legs extended in front of them.