Folks,

I'm looking to add water travel to my skill set and am trying to decide between using a canoe or a kayak. This would be for flatwater trips (lakes and placid rivers/streams) including overnight camping.

My uninformed opinion is that canoes might be easier to learn and handle and might carry a bigger load. Kayaks seem like they might be more efficient (energy to propel across the water) but more difficult to master and require more specialized gear.

But I'm looking for your wisdom and experience. I'm an average 61 yro guy with no particular physical constraints and in walking/hiking reasonable shape (not doing triathalons).

Would be doing solo travel but would sometimes be taking my 22 lb Jack Russel with me. Expense is always a component of my decision process but from my early research not an impediment.

Whatcha y'all suggest?

Thanks in advance for your informed from experience advice.

Andy