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The length and stability are two factors that one must consider when purchasing a canoe. The longer the canoe, easier will be to steer on a particular course. On the other hand, a shorter canoe will be very easy to propel but will not retain its course. Many beginners have become frustrated simply because they could not push their canoe in the straight direction no matter how hard they tried. Going in for too short canoe can leave you facing this problem.
On the other hand, longer canoes are going to be heavier. This means you will have to put in a lot of effort to propel the same. Choose too longer canoe and chances are high that you will become tired after a few strokes of the paddle. This can be a very embarrassing situation. Try to find the right balance after considering the location where intend to use the canoe. A small canoe that can be steered very easily is suitable for whitewater rafting. This is true especially for beginners. On the other hand, bigger canoes will have more stability but will require a lot of strength to handle.
The length is connected with the overall stability of the canoe. A canoe that remains stable when you sit idle will automatically lose balance when you move your body to steer the vessel. On the other hand, a canoe that remains stable when you are steering it will not have high initial stability. As a beginner, you will have to make the choice and choose initial stability or secondary stability that you enjoy when you are steering the canoe. You cannot have both and that is a sad fact of life.
