One and Two Person Canoes
Most whitewater canoeing involves a single paddler in a shortened canoe with a rounder hull and raised ends. This allows the canoe to be spun around and maneuvered much more effectively than a two person flatwater canoe. The paddler actually kneels on the floor of the canoe to allow for a better reach when paddling, while still keeping the center of gravity low. The canoe has a modified seat designed for this to allow the paddler to remain in this position more comfortably.
Two person canoes are available for whitewater purposes, but are not as common. Many people use a flatwater canoe, but it’s knife-like design is difficult to quickly maneuver and makes it troublesome in Class III water and higher. The paddlers kneel on the floor of the canoe, one paddler sitting up front, ane one in the back. The two will choose opposite sides to paddle on, and rarely switch [i.e. the front paddler paddles on the right and the back on the left or vice versa]
Rolling a canoe is possible, but much more difficult than in a kayak. More often than not, a capsized canoe will result in the paddler swimming out.
How to roll a canoe: