A canoe is a small boat, usually with the ability to hold one, two or occasionally three people. They are most often powered through paddling by people, but may also use motors or sails. Most canoes you'll find have open hulls (interiors) but are occasionally covered. Canoes have pointed ends at both the bow (front) and the stern (back) ends for more dynamic speeds. When canoes are propelled by paddles, the force is given by sitting in the hull of the boat and facing towards the front of the vessel; whereas rowing involves facing towards the back of the vessel and using oarlocks.