Kayaking is an enjoyable and rewarding hobby. However, it can be less than fun if you’re crammed into an ill-fitting kayak. Although kayaks are generally “one size fits all,” there are some considerations to make when it comes to your height, weight, and general size.
Having a kayak that’s too small can be extremely uncomfortable — it can also put you in more danger on the water. Considering your height, weight, and desired usage will ensure that you get many years of comfortable paddling from your vessel.
In this article, we’ll be helping you choose the right size kayak for your height.
We’ll be looking at:
- Three things to think about when choosing a kayak
- Why kayak length is important
- Why kayak width matters
- Four different kayak types & their dimensions
- How to make sense of kayak volumes
- A guide to help you select the right kayak for your height
By the end of this read, you’ll know exactly how to choose the right kayak for your needs, height, and weight.
Does Kayak Length Matter?
Kayak length is an important factor to consider when choosing the right kayak for your height.
Generally speaking, longer kayaks are faster and more stable, while shorter kayaks are more maneuverable and easier to transport. However, it's not just about finding the longest kayak you can fit in. You also want to make sure the kayak is proportionate to your body size so that you can control it effectively and comfortably.
As a general rule, if you're a taller person, you'll want a longer kayak to accommodate your height.
A longer kayak will also give you more legroom, which is important for maintaining good posture and avoiding cramps or stiffness on longer trips. On the other hand, if you're shorter or have a smaller build, a shorter kayak may be more suitable. This will make it easier to control the kayak and manoeuvre it in tight spaces. It will also put less strain on your body when navigating the water for long periods.
Ultimately, the best kayak length for you will depend on a variety of factors, including your height, weight, experience level, and the type of kayaking you plan to do. It's important to test out different kayaks and get a feel for what works best for you before making a purchase.
Does Kayak Width Matter?
Kayak width is another important factor to consider when choosing a kayak for your height. A wider kayak will generally be more stable and less likely to tip over, which can be reassuring for beginners or those who are nervous about getting wet. However, wider kayaks are also slower and less maneuverable than narrower ones.
For taller individuals, a wider kayak may be a good choice to provide additional stability and prevent tipping but wider kayaks can also make it more difficult to paddle, especially if your arms are short or your torso is long. Narrower kayaks are generally faster and easier to paddle, but can be less stable and more prone to tipping.
Again, the best kayak width for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Consider your level of experience, the type of kayaking you plan to do, and your own body size and shape when making your decision. Remember that stability and maneuverability are both important factors to consider, and that finding the right balance between the two will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable kayaking experience.
Things To Think About When Choosing the Right Kayak
When purchasing a kayak, one of the most crucial factors to consider is its size. This factor will significantly impact the activities that you can engage in, as well as any constraints or limitations that may arise. However, there are other important factors that will affect your choice of vessel…
It's important to carefully consider the following aspects:
1. What Will You Use the Kayak For?
The first thing you should consider when purchasing a new kayak is what you’ll use it for. There are several different types of kayaks that are suited for different disciplines of the sport. Some are good all-rounders for recreational use, some are built for handling whitewater, some for touring, and others for hobbies such as fishing.
When considering what you'll use the kayak for, it's important to think about the specific activities you want to engage in.
If you're planning on using your kayak for recreational purposes, such as paddling around lakes and calm rivers, then a recreational kayak may be a good option for you. These kayaks are typically wider and shorter, making them more stable and easier to maneuver in calm waters.
If you're interested in whitewater kayaking, you'll want to choose a kayak that is designed to handle the challenges of rough, fast-moving water. These kayaks are typically shorter and more maneuverable, allowing you to make quick turns and navigate around obstacles.
For touring or long-distance paddling, you may want to consider a sea kayak or touring kayak. These kayaks are longer and narrower, making them faster and more efficient in the water. They are also designed to handle the challenges of open water and can carry more gear, making them ideal for multi-day trips.
If you're interested in fishing from your kayak, you may want to consider a fishing kayak. These kayaks are typically wider and more stable, allowing you to cast and reel in fish without tipping over. They may also come with additional features such as rod holders and storage compartments for gear.
In summary, when choosing the right kayak for your needs, it's important to consider what you'll be using it for. By understanding the different types of kayaks available and their specific features, you can choose a kayak that will help you get the most out of your time on the water.you can get in touch with us in store or online if you need help finding the best kayak type for your needs.
2. How Much Legroom Do You Need?
As mentioned earlier, the amount of legroom you need will depend on your height and body type. It's important to also consider the length of your paddling sessions and the type of kayaking you plan to do.
If you're going on long trips, you'll want to make sure you have enough legroom to stretch out and maintain good posture. If you're planning on kayaking in rougher waters or engaging in activities that require a lot of movement, such as fishing or photography, you may want to prioritize maneuverability over comfort.
Another factor to consider is the type of seating that comes with the kayak. Some kayaks come with adjustable seats or footrests that can be moved to accommodate different leg lengths, while others may have fixed seating arrangements that are less flexible. Make sure you choose a kayak with a seating arrangement that works well for you, your height, and your needs.
3. Think About The Length x Width of the Kayak
The length and width of a kayak are important factors to consider when choosing the right size. As discussed earlier, longer kayaks are generally faster and more stable, while shorter kayaks are more maneuverable. Similarly, wider kayaks are generally more stable, while narrower kayaks are faster and easier to paddle.
Again, when considering the length and width of a kayak, it's important to think about the type of kayaking you plan to do.
If you're looking for a kayak that can handle rough waters or fast currents, you may want to choose a longer and wider kayak for added stability. If you're more interested in touring or exploring calm waters, a shorter and narrower kayak may be more suitable as this will prove much more efficient and less strenuous for longer periods.
It's also important to consider the weight and size of the kayak in relation to your own body size and strength. Make sure you choose a kayak that you can comfortably lift and transport, and that fits in your vehicle if you plan to transport it. It's a good idea to test out — or at the least sit in — different kayaks to get a feel for their length and width before making a purchase.
Four Kayak Types & Their Dimensions
1. Recreational Kayaks
Recreational kayaks are designed for casual paddling in calm waters such as lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers.
They are generally shorter and wider than other types of kayaks which makes them more stable but also slower. The dimensions of recreational kayaks typically range from 8 to 12 feet in length and 25 to 32 inches in width. They are also usually lighter in weight, making them easier to transport and maneuver.
2. Touring Kayaks
Touring kayaks are designed for longer trips and paddling in open waters such as oceans, bays, and large lakes.
They are longer and narrower than recreational kayaks, which makes them faster but also less stable. The dimensions of touring kayaks typically range from 12 to 18 feet in length and 22 to 25 inches in width. They also have a larger storage capacity and are designed to handle rougher waters and stronger currents.
3. Sea Kayaks
Sea kayaks are similar to touring kayaks but are specifically designed for use in the ocean.
They are longer and narrower than touring kayaks, which makes them even faster and more efficient in the water. Sea kayaks also typically have a larger storage capacity than touring kayaks, as they are designed for longer trips. The dimensions of sea kayaks typically range from 16 to 22 feet in length and 20 to 24 inches in width.
4. Fishing Kayaks
Fishing kayaks are designed specifically for fishing in a variety of water conditions, including calm lakes, ponds, and rivers, as well as more challenging open-water environments.
They are generally wider and more stable than other types of kayaks, which allows for better stability when fishing. The dimensions of fishing kayaks typically range from 10 to 14 feet in length and 30 to 40 inches in width.
They also often have specialized features such as rod holders, tackle storage compartments, and anchor systems to help make the fishing experience more convenient and enjoyable.
Making Sense of “Kayak Volumes”
To ensure an enjoyable and comfortable kayaking experience, it's crucial to determine whether the kayak's volume indicated by the manufacturer is suitable for your needs. This will give you a better understanding of the amount of space you can expect inside the boat.
Kayak manufacturers generally use four categories to describe the volume of their kayaks: low volume, medium volume, high volume, and cubic feet or gallons. The categorization is based on the paddler's height and weight, as well as the physical space inside the vessel.
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Low-volume kayaks — These are designed for paddlers who are under 5 ft. 6 in. tall and weigh less than 140 lbs. They are typically narrower and shorter, allowing for better maneuverability and control in rough waters.
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Medium-volume kayaks — These are made for paddlers who are between 5 ft. 7 in. and 5 ft. 10 in. tall and weigh between 140 and 189 lbs. These kayaks strike a balance between stability and speed and are suitable for a wide range of paddling conditions.
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High-volume kayaks — These are built for paddlers who are over 5 ft. 10 in. tall and weigh more than 180 lbs. They are usually longer, wider, and more spacious than the other categories, providing more stability and room for larger paddlers and their gear.
- Cubic feet (cubic centimetres) or gallons (litres) — This refers to the actual physical space inside the kayak. This measurement can vary depending on the design and shape of the kayak, so it's essential to consider this when selecting a kayak.
While these categories can provide a general idea of the ideal kayak volume for your body size, the best way to determine if a kayak is right for you is to sit in it and assess how it fits your body. Additionally, it's crucial to consider your level of experience, the type of water you'll be paddling in, and the gear you'll be carrying before selecting a kayak.
Guide For Kayak Lengths for your Height
Now that we’ve covered the basics of kayak dimensions and types, let’s take a closer look at what kayak length is best for your height. Keep in mind that these are general guidelines and other factors, such as the type of kayaking you plan to do and your skill level, should also be considered.
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Under 5 feet tall (152 cm) – Kayaks that are 8 to 9 feet (244 to 274 cm) in length are best suited for people who are under 5 feet tall. These shorter kayaks are more manoeuvrable and easier to handle, making them great for beginners or children.
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5 foot (152 cm) to 6 foot (183 cm) tall – Kayaks that are 10 to 12 feet (305 to 366 cm) in length are best suited for people who are 5 to 6 feet tall. These kayaks are still manoeuvrable but provide more speed and stability than shorter kayaks. Recreational kayaks in this length range are great for casual paddling on calm waterways.
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6 foot (183 cm) to 7 foot (213) tall – Kayaks that are 12 to 14 feet (366 to 427 cm) in length are best suited for people who are 6 to 7 feet tall. These longer kayaks provide even more speed and stability than shorter kayaks and are great for longer paddling trips on open waterways.
- Over 7 feet (213 cm) tall – Kayaks that are 14 feet (427 cm) or longer in length are best suited for people who are over 7 feet tall. These longer kayaks provide maximum speed and stability and are great for touring or long-distance paddling on open waterways.
Choosing The Right Kayak For Your Height
When choosing a kayak for your height, consider the type of kayaking you plan to do, your skill level, and your budget. If you’re a beginner or plan to do casual paddling on calm waterways, a shorter and wider kayak may be best. If you’re more experienced or plan to do long-distance paddling on open waterways, a longer and narrower kayak may be more suitable.
Remember to also consider the kayak’s volume and weight capacity to ensure a safe and comfortable paddling experience. If you’re unsure about which kayak to choose, consider renting a few different types and lengths to find the one that best fits your needs and preferences.
In conclusion, choosing the right kayak size for your height is an important factor in your kayaking experience. Consider the type of kayaking you plan to do, your skill level, and your budget when choosing a kayak.
Use the general guidelines for kayak lengths for your height as a starting point and consider other factors, such as kayak width and volume, to ensure a safe and enjoyable paddling experience.