How Fast Can You Canoe Upstream?

Kayaking upstream can be challenging, but it can be done as long as you remain close to the river’s sides, avoid fast-moving sections, and use eddies to your advantage. Paddling at a speed of around 3 miles per hour is recommended, but avoid going against currents that move faster than that. If you plan to portage rapids, use a sleek, narrow Kevlar canoe.

An average kayaker can travel around 3 miles per hour with a maximum speed of 5 or 6 miles per hour in average conditions. Paddling downstream is usually easier and more enjoyable, but paddling against the current can be a challenge. To hopscotch upstream efficiently, understand what moves quick, what creates eddies, and how to hopscotch upstream efficiently.

In terms of speed, an experienced paddler can do 3-4 MPH on calm, still water with no breaks. Downstream will be slightly faster, while upstream is slower. Take it easy, aim for 2 mph plus proper stops, and probably no more than 6 hours paddling per day. If the current is 5 mph, paddle 6mph to make any progress, covering a mile in an hour.

The typical speed of a canoe on calm water is at least the same as a person walking along a smooth path, about 3 mph. If you come upon a dangerous situation or blockage that would be difficult to portage past, you can always turn around and go back. Paddling hard with the current can sustain 13-14 kmhr, and with an average paddling rate of 11 kph. Flatwater can do 6-7 kmhr. A typical recreational kayak might go around 3mph and take around 33 hours.