Marathon canoeing has deep roots in North American history, where Native Americans utilized canoes for transportation and carrying game or other commodities. Each tribe had its own unique designs, crafted from locally sourced natural materials. These ranged from plant materials like trees, bark, and roots to animal by-products such as skins and bones.

One notable type of canoe is the dugout canoe, derived from the Carib word “kenu,” meaning “dugout.” These canoes were integral to the Carib Indians of the Caribbean Islands, used for island-to-island travel. Christopher Columbus, upon encountering these vessels, marveled at their speed and agility, noting that no galley could match their rowing efficiency. Master boatbuilders from the northwest coast of North America crafted dugout canoes that were both functional and beautiful, often adorned with vibrant designs of fish, eagles, and other wildlife. Utilizing large redwood trees, some of these canoes measured 40 to 60 feet in length and were used by tribes like the Haida, Nootka, Kwakiutl, and Bella Coola for travel and whale hunting in rough coastal waters.

Another significant type of canoe is the birch bark canoe, built by tribes such as the Algonquin, Cree, and Ojibwa. These canoes were essential for navigating the deciduous forests of what is now southern Canada and the northern United States, showcasing the ingenuity and adaptability of native craftsmanship.