Where Did the Pirogue Come from?

A pirogue (/pɪˈroʊɡ/ or /ˈpiːroʊɡ/), also called a piragua or piraga, is any of various small boats, particularly dugouts and native canoes. The word is French and is derived from Spanish piragua [piˈɾaɣwa], which comes from the Carib piraua.

What is a pirogue in Louisiana?

Once a staple of Cajun living, the pirogue has evolved into a novelty item, largely replaced by plastic kayaks that can be purchased at outdoors stores and big-box retailers. ... The traditional pirogue, about 12-14 feet long, was designed to get around the shallow waters of south Louisiana's swamps and marshes.

What is the difference between a pirogue and a canoe?

A pirogue is just a cajun version of a canoe but the pirogue is MUCH less stable. Pirogues generally have a much lower profile in the water so they are not as affected by wind. They go much further per paddle stroke than a canoe does but if you are not used to one, they can be VERY tippy.