If you are planning to paddle in primarily coastal areas, or if you think you will often be on big lakes or ponds where you may be caught out in the open in big winds, then a kayak makes more sense. It also makes sense if you're happy with a pool-toy kayak (short, wide) and don't want to spend a lot of money.
Otherwise, and without getting into a lot of detail, here is why I think a solo canoe makes more sense: They carry more gear (for camping, if you want to try that out), they are generally lighter, easier to carry, easier to load on roof racks, require only a single-blad paddle (ever try to paddle a kayak through a narrow river with overhanging shrubs and trees with half a paddle sticking above your head), easier to enter and exit (pretty important for river trips where you may have to deal with blowdowns), your visibility is better downriver (for rapids), and let's face it, paddling a canoe is simply more elegant.
Good luck with whatever choice you decide. And like someone else suggested, you could simply buy one of each. I have several of each.
-Chuck
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