Buying an open canoe should be an exciting decision, but for many people it quickly becomes confusing. Lengths, hull shapes, materials, specifications, stability claims… it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. And in that confusion, many people end up choosing a canoe that looks right in a showroom, rather than one that actually works well on the water. Here’s how to choose the right open canoe — and the most common mistakes to avoid. Mistake #1: Choosing a Canoe Based on “Beginner”