What aspect of canoeing is affected by the canoe's hull shape?

The shape of a canoe's hull significantly impacts its speed. Specifically, a streamlined hull design reduces water resistance, allowing the canoe to glide more efficiently through the water. A narrower hull can cut through the water more easily, providing greater speed, especially in flatwater conditions.

Conversely, wider hulls may provide more stability and capacity, which can be advantageous for transporting gear or accommodating more passengers, but they may create additional drag that slows the canoe down. This interaction between hull shape and speed is crucial for paddlers who aim to optimize their performance on the water.

While capacity, comfort, and weight are important factors in canoe design and usability, they are influenced by other aspects such as dimensions, materials, and intended use rather than directly tied to hull shape in the context of speed.