Canoes then and now
A canoe is usually a narrow boat that is typically human-powered;however it can be powered with gas motors also.A canoe is structurally pointed at both ends,but normally,canoes can be both open on top and covered from top.
When the canoe is powered by human hands it is ordinarily propelled by the use of paddles.The number of paddles used depends on the size and structure of the canoe.The paddlers generally face the direction of travel either supported by the hull or just kneeling on the hull.Paddling can be differentiated with rowing.While rowing, the paddlers usually face the opposite direction of the travel.Paddles vary from single bladed to double bladed.
The oldest canoe of the world is the pesse canoe.According to the C-14 analysis the canoe of  pesse was constructed between 8200-7600 BC.This canoe is exhibited in the museum of “drents” situated in Assen,Netherlands.
Early canoes:
Early canoes were made from naturally and easily available materials.Early canoes were made by North-American Indians.They used to create more traditional type of canoes used in those days.They used to create a frame of wooden ribs which was covered with the light weight bark of birch trees,and sometimes,barks of elm or cedar trees.These boats have remained nearly unchanged in their design for nearly thousand years.These boats proved ideal for travelling on the rivers and lakes of North America.Most north-Americans preferred birch barks because it was light-weight and smooth, on the other hand it was waterproof and pliant.
Modern canoes:
Modern canoes are made mixing various kinds of materials.Some of the materials are natural but the other materials are man-made.Nowadays,canoes vary in material according to their locality and in their designs as well. As a result,today’s canoes are manufactured by tough and light-aluminum alloy.