How long is a kayak

Is there a formula that will give me some exact numbers to go by when sizing a new kayak? Or am I supposed to make an educated guess? Choosing a kayak goes beyond the classic sit-on-top or sit-inside debate? Or should you purchase an inflatable or hard-shell? More importantly, aim for the middle ground where they all line up to deliver the kayaking experience you want.

On the other hand, short hulls sacrifice cruising speed to ensure agility, controlled movements, and quick and precise turns. While this is a somewhat oversimplified way to put it, a wider beam does make for a more stable kayak.

Width already impacts speed and agility; going too wide would only make the kayak feel overly bulky and unwieldy. Also, keep in mind that kayaks have two types of stability :. Kayak width is also a major factor in selecting the correct paddle length — so whatever width you settle on make sure you have the right size paddle to match. A higher length-to-beam ratio indicates a narrower hull and, in turn, a sleeker and faster kayak.

The available space is relative to your body type, though. Every kayak will have a weight capacity, or the maximum weight it can carry and stay afloat. Kayaks are a bit like golf clubs, which, I know, sounds like a weird comparison — but hear me out:. Kayaks come in different types, shapes, and sizes, each designed for optimal performance in specific environments. And this is a perfect opportunity to go over different types of kayaks and their typical dimensions. Lazy paddles down a slow-moving river or an afternoon of gliding across a lake; fun, leisure, and comfort are what recreational kayaks — sit-inside and sit-on-top — do best.

They prioritize stability and ease of use over efficiency, speed, and storage. For this reason, recreational kayaks tend to be shorter and lighter than most other specialized kayaks, measuring anywhere from 9 to 12 feet in length. These long and narrow sit-in kayaks — often referred to as sea kayaks — offer superior tracking and maximize efficiency on long-distance trips. The three elements of kayak dimension are length, width, and volume.

There are other size factors to consider, too, like weight, weight capacity, and cockpit size. Generally speaking, the longer a kayak is, the faster it is. Therefore, a boat for rapids is going to be shorter than a standard recreational kayak, and a lot shorter than one built for speed. Recreational kayaks— While there are exceptions in boats made for performing tricks and boats meant for youth, most recreational kayaks will start around 9.

You may see them go up to 12 feet. Shorter ones are slower, but easier to maneuver when paddling. Tandem kayaks— Tandem kayaks can be anywhere from feet, but tend to hover around Sea kayaks— Sea kayaks or touring kayaks tend to be the longest of all, around feet. Though it is possible to engineer a compact sea kayak.

Performance kayaks —Performance kayaks are built for speed, and can run from feet. Narrow boats are faster, while wider boats are more stable. Kayaks built for speed will be narrower, and fishing kayaks will be wider.

How much space does it take up? It affects the ride, as well. High-volume kayaks are easier to start using, making them great for beginners. But they can be slower and less smooth than low-volume kayaks. The kayak volume needed is also relative to the weight of the kayaker. Even allowing for preferences in high- or low-volume kayaks, different people will need different sizes of boat. Kayak weights can vary significantly.

Generally, they fall within a pound range. You may see small kayaks as light as 20 pounds, or specialized ones like pedal kayaks as heavy as pounds. Weight is something to consider, since you may need to carry your kayak to water or lift it to stow on top of your vehicle. Beyond how heavy your kayak is, also consider how much it can carry. It should be able to comfortably support the weight of everyone who will be using it and all of the gear that they need.

Kayaks that support a lot of weight, like fishing kayaks, will usually prioritize that and stability over speed or maneuverability. Legroom can be a factor, and taller people may opt for longer kayaks simply because they offer more space for your legs. This offers a little more control over the boat with your whole body. For sit-on-top kayaks —which Ocean Kayak specializes in—rather than sitting in a cockpit, paddlers sit in a molded depression in the top of the boat.

This offers more space, and more comfort for people with differing leg lengths. This makes it a great, versatile option. Depending on your body type, you may want a fishing kayak or a touring kayak because the cockpit tends to be more spacious.

You may also want a sit-on-top kayak, since the lack of a traditional cockpit means that it can accommodate a greater variety of people. You need to be able to leave the boat quickly if it overturns. However, the average kayak is normally around 3 metres.

From shortest to longest, let's take a look at the various different types of kayaks and how long they are as standard:. Narrow boats are normally faster, but wider boats offer greater stability for activities such as fishing.

It's worth noting that, if a kayak has a cockpit sit in kayaks , the width can determine its comfort and fit - this is less important for a sit on top kayak.

For sit in kayaks, the width can determine its comfort and fit. You can also think about kayak volume - the boat's interior capacity - for determining a boat's overall size. This is a useful measurement for space to store your gear and for people, but it also affects the ride. Kayaks are available in high and low volume, as well as medium volume. For beginners, a high-volume kayak will be easier and more stable, however the ride can be slower and not as smooth as a low-volume alternative.

This is also where the weight of the kayaker comes into play - volume tends to be relative to the weight of the kayaker. Different people will need different sizes of boat, with the largest paddlers requiring a high volume kayak, and the smallest needing low volume kayaks. How much weight do you need your kayak to carry? When working this out, don't forget to include the weight of the paddlers as well as the weight of the gear.

Will you be taking overnight trips that require more gear? Then storage space as well as weight capacity come into play. Kayaks that can carry a lot of weight will often prioritise stability over speed and maneuverability.

How far do you need to carry your kayak, and will you be transporting it alone to the water? These are important questions to consider when selecting your kayak. Kayak weight varies significantly, but generally falls within a kg range.

Think about how you will be launching your kayak, and whether you need to be able to lift it on top of your car. For taller people, legroom can become a key determining factor in choosing a kayak - they may choose longer kayaks simply for this reason. This is particularly important for sit-in kayaks, where you need enough room to easily get in and out, while still maintaining contact between the boat and your legs and thighs.

This enables you to have greater control of the vessel. You don't need to worry about height of the paddler as much for sit-on-top kayaks, as you have more space by sitting on the top of the boat. When it comes to determining the cockpit size, paddler height should trump paddler weight, as your legs need to fit comfortably inside for a sit in kayak.

This is why taller paddlers may decide on longer boats to make space for their long legs, or sit on top kayaks. As well as height, you should consider the area around your waist. Some people opt for fishing or touring kayaks because they offer more spacious cockpits, or a sit-on-top kayak as they don't have a traditional cockpit. Consider the space around you in the cockpit - you don't want to be squeezing in and out of your kayak.

Bear in mind, you don't want to be squeezing in and out of your kayak. This is a safety issue if your boat overturns. You also want to be able to join the experience, and a large part of that is related to comfort.

The type of water you will be paddling on is of key importance when choosing your kayak size for the kayak's performance. For rivers, you'll typically want a recreational kayak, enabling you to follow the river flow rather than focusing on speed. Stability and maneuverability will be important features.

A recreational kayak, like the ones for rivers, will normally be sufficient for lake paddling. However, if you're paddling in lakes with bigger waves, you may prefer a touring kayak. You may also want a fishing kayak if that's your purpose for taking to the water, with more space to carry your gear and rod holders. Ocean kayaking can mean stronger water conditions, with heavier winds, tides and waves than rivers or lakes.