Canoeing has quite an extensive history as a primary means of transportation and waterway navigation before the existence of boats, roads, and railways. Historically, canoes were hand-crafted out of large tree trunks and propelled using wooden paddles.

A canoe is generally open at the top and has a number of wooden braces that cross the sunken interior, or hull. A canoe is pointed at the front and back, to help it flow easily through the water.

Modern day canoes and paddles are be made out of a variety of materials including traditional wood, like cedar or birch, reinforced plastic, or fiberglass. Lightweight canoes are ideal for hobbyists who intend to travel between bodies of water on foot, called portaging, which involves carrying the canoe overhead. While the need for canoes as a means of transportation may no longer exist today, canoeing does have a prominent place in the sporting world. Canoe racing, often termed flatwater racing, first appeared in the Olympic Games in 1936. Global events include racing canoe singles, doubles, quads, and the amazing War Canoe, which seats 15 people and is primarily raced in Canada. New canoe varieties continue to evolve to meet consumer demand. An outrigger canoe is often used in racing, and can be thought of as a streamlined canoe. The hull is very narrow, and one side of the canoe has an outrigger float connected to the main hull for stability, almost like half of a catamaran. In addition, the inflatable canoe has increased in popularity because it is lightweight, easy to transport, and can be condensed in size. Canoeing is enjoyed by many hobbyists who participate in fishing, sight-seeing, exercise, or general leisure. The mass appeal can be attributed to the sheer simplicity of canoeing - - the fact that people of all ages can participate with ease and instant success.