Marsh Jones wrote:

Drafting works on a bike because if you are behind, you are riding in a
[...]
This isn't the case in a canoe.
Drafting in a canoe or kayak is using the waves generated by ... the boats
around you.

You are correct, of course, drafting on a bike is "hiding" behind the lead rider
whereas drafting in a paddled boat is riding a wave. Totally different
concepts. You don't need to get too complicated to explain that.

Most fla****er canoe/kayak racing takes place at, or near
'hull speed'.

Over short courses (Olympic ICF class boats) the race is at speeds well in
excess of hull speed - over twice hull speed is routine. That only demonstrates
that hull speed is entirely arbitrary and is nothing resembling a speed limit.

In longer races, that level of power output can't be maintained by mere humans,
so the speeds drop to lower levels.

Mike