War canoe

War canoes were used in Africa, Austronesia, Americas and Europe to transport troops and supplies, and engage targets onshore.

In the gunpowder era, small iron or brass cannon were sometimes mounted on the bow or stern, although the firepower delivered from these areas and weapons was relatively ineffective.

The typical tactic was to maneuver close to shore, discharge weapons, then quickly pull out to open water to reload, before dashing in again to repeat the cycle.

War canoeing among indigenous communities is enjoying a revival today, and there as starting to be inclusion with non-indigenous paddlers.

War canoe is seen as a prestige event at regattas where it is held, as it allows a significant portion of a club's racing members to be in the boat at once and compete together.

Typically, a war canoe will be faster than a 20 paddler dragon boat over any given distance, because of a more hydrodynamically streamlined hull shape (narrower and without the characteristic 'w' shape of dragon boat hulls making for reduced wetted surface area and drag), and the kneeling position allowing for a fuller, more powerful stroke than the sitting position used in a dragon boat; as well as larger blade powerface surface area and longer shaft of the paddle.

A Māori waka during the Boyd massacre
Ibo war canoe from Nigeria, circa 1830s. Captured enemy flags decorate its decks. Steering is provided by two oars-men in bow and stern. Muskets stand ready on the fighting platform in the center
19th century illustration of a salisipan , a Filipino war canoe used by Iranun and Banguingui pirates for boarding vessels and raiding coastal settlements
Junior Women's War Canoes (C-15) come across the line at the 2005 Canadian Canoe Association Championships, held at le bassin olympique in Montreal , Quebec , Canada .