No guessing for me. Was using the proper definition top and seating is the real difference the oar should never come into it.
I agree with you - I think its daft. Unfortunately neither the BCU or the Olympic committee do.
here is an extract from the BCU....
"The term 'canoeing' in the UK is generally used by the public to incorporate both canoeing and kayaking. The difference being that the term 'canoeing' should refer to paddling an open canoe (the sort used by the North American Indians and Trappers). Kayaks however are a closed cockpit boat based on the vessels used by the North America Insuit, also known as Eskimos.
What is a Canoe
A canoe is a boat which can be between 10' and 17'6" long and usually
paddled using a single bladed paddle or paddles but can also be sailed. With the addition of a small electric outboard motor the craft can also propelled up or down river with ease. A Canadian Canoe is pointed at both ends and usually open on top, but can be covered. A great way for the whole family to spend their recreational time, getting away from it all on local and national waterways. Loved by fishermen it can be quietly paddled into places where other boats are unable to go and fish may be frightened away. Loads of room for fishing gear, camping equipment or just your picnic basket. Nowadays mainly constructed from various forms of plastic, multi-layered to give inherent buoyancy.
What is a Kayak
A kayak is a small craft designed to be paddled by either one or two people. It typically has a covered deck with a cockpit(s) where the paddler(s) sit. This can then be covered by a spraydeck to keep the paddler dry and warm.
It is paddled with a double-bladed paddle or paddles if it is a double kayak. The kayak was originally developed by native Aleut and Inuit hunters in sub-arctic regions of North America and Greenland. Modern kayaks come in a wide variety of designs and materials for paddling on flat water, moving water and the sea. There are also kayaks called 'Sit-ons' which which have an open deck and are mainly used on the sea, but can be paddled on flat water. These are a relatively new type of boat and are becoming extremely popular."