Finding the right kayak may seem simple, but one of the most common questions people ask is, “What size kayak do I need?”
Hint: There is no right answer! It all depends on what is the best fit for you.
If you are a beginner, it is easy to assume that all kayaks are the same, so it should be an easy decision. But choosing the right size kayak can be complicated.
Choosing your perfect kayak is essential to having the most possible fun out on the water. And who doesn’t want to have fun, right?
Understanding basic information on width, length, and kayak volume, while keeping your body type in mind can lead you in the right direction.
Below is a detailed guide to help you find the perfect kayak.
Remember, this is a guideline, not a hard and fast rule since everyone has different needs. But this should help you get started.
What Size Kayak Should You Get?
Looking for a kayak can be a little intimidating when you are a beginner. Surprisingly, your body weight and height don’t necessarily play the lead role in the size of the kayak you need. Don’t get me wrong, your body type is a factor, but not the only one.
Kayaks come in different sizes depending on factors such as:
You can use the guidelines in this article to help, but ultimately the best way to find the appropriately sized kayak is to sit in it and see what feels the most comfortable.
How you plan to use your kayak will also help in your search. Here are some examples of different kayak sizes.
Kayak Dimensions
There are three important elements regarding kayak size, length, width, and volume (more on volume later).
Finding the right kayak also means you must account for how much the kayak weighs, the size of the cockpit, and how much gear (weight) the kayak can carry. When everything is just right, then you have found your kayak.
Cockpit Size
The cockpit needs to be a good fit for you since this is where you spend all of your time on your kayak. The cockpit needs to fit you comfortably, with plenty of room for your waist and lower body.
There is also safety to consider. You need to be able to get out of the cockpit in case you flip the kayak.
Some cockpits have more room than others, depending on the type of kayak. Some people will choose a sit-on-top kayak vs. a sit-inside kayak because it is easier to get on and off and gives you more room to move around.
Legroom
Legroom is critical to choosing the right kayak. You don’t want to be cramped in a small space while paddling for hours (been there).
If you are tall, like over 6’3″, you definitely need a longer kayak than someone who is 5’5″. Sit-on-top kayaks (where the paddler sits on an open deck) give you more space overall. Many people prefer a SOT kayak because they are easy to get on and off.
A sit-inside kayak gives you a more snug fit, and it’s not as easy to get in and out as a SOT kayak. But with a sit-in kayak, you can press your thighs against the coaming to give you more control over the kayak.
All that said, you should find a kayak that fits you comfortably and gives you enough legroom.
Kayak Width
Kayaks come in different widths, depending on how they are designed. For example, a sea kayak has a narrower cockpit than a standard sit-inside recreational kayak. If the kayak is designed to cover long distances quickly, the kayak needs to be long and narrow.
Some sea kayaks are as narrow as 22 inches wide. By comparison, the Sea Eagle 380x inflatable kayak is almost 40 inches wide (talk about stability).
Kayak Length
We spoke about kayak width. Now let’s talk about length. Kayaks that are made to cover large bodies of water quickly are longer kayaks, like sea kayaks.
The average recreational kayak you can find at a big box store will be in the 9-12 foot range. Sea kayaks can be much longer, up to 17 feet in some cases.
Kayaks designed for whitewater are much shorter because the paddler needs to be nimble on the water, making quick adjustments.
Kayak Weight
Kayaks are very awkwardly shaped, and in addition, they can be heavy to carry around. Many recreational kayaks weigh in the 30-65 pound range.
Now, that might not sound like much, but lifting a 50-pound kayak onto a roof rack on an SUV is no simple task. The kayak is long and weird-shaped, so more weight makes this process harder.
Kayak Weight Capacity
Many people don’t think about the weight capacity of a kayak. Not only do you have to consider your own body weight, but also the gear you pack with you. Gear can add up quickly, and there isn’t a lot of space on a kayak.
Some kayaks have a 275-pound limit, while others have up to 700 pounds of capacity.
Kayak Volume
Kayak volume refers to the boat’s total carrying capacity. This size information can be measured in cubic feet or gallons (super confusing) and was created to help paddlers better understand how much space they can expect to find in a particular kayak.
This article is not intended to get super technical, but there are a few guidelines to keep in mind. Low, medium, and high volume measurements help the paddler understand how much internal space the kayak has available.
Your weight and height also play an essential role in kayak volume and finding the best size kayak.
It’s good to know that almost all kayak manufacturers have various kayak sizes for people of different shapes and sizes. Volume, length, and width are all factors that you should consider when choosing the kayak’s right size.
Most kayaks are made in high, medium, or low volumes to cover all options, whether sporty or relaxed touring.
High Volume Kayaks
A larger or taller paddler would be better matched with a high-volume kayak. Larger paddlers weighing 180 lbs or more and are 5’10” or taller will probably be most comfortable in the higher-volume kayaks.
These kayaks work well for larger paddlers because they have extra space to carry more gear! This can be perfect for longer-distance paddling, day trips, or longer outings.
Some examples of high-volume kayaks would be recreational and beginner kayaks. They are made with higher beams that are easier for newer paddlers to work with.
However, something to consider is that these kayaks have a more challenging time functioning properly in choppy and windy weather.
Medium Volume Kayaks
Average-sized paddlers tend to lean toward medium-volume kayaks. People between 140 and 180 lbs and about 5’7″ to 5’10” tall are perfect for handling and maneuvering medium-sized kayaks. These sized kayaks have just enough space for long-distance trips and overnight stays.
Low Volume Kayaks
A smaller paddler may want to consider a kayak with a lower volume and a lower deck because it gives them better hip and thigh control. After all, the deck is lower.
Smaller paddlers weighing less than 140 lbs and standing under 5’6″ will want to try out the lower-volume kayaks.
They are long and have much less internal space. These low-volume kayaks are great for touring and longer trips. They also have a high-efficiency level making them more comfortable for smaller paddlers to maneuver and control.
Kayak sizes
Sea and Touring Kayaks
If you use your kayak for touring, traveling quickly from one point to another, or exploring leisurely, you will look for a longer kayak with a slightly longer waterline. The waterline is the length of the kayak at the waterline.
This design ensures a straight line that enables sufficient tracking and speed when on the water.
This type of kayak is for more relaxed water settings and is perfect for the explorer looking for a great way to enjoy the scenery as they paddle along. This kayak works best on a bay or out at sea, as the name would suggest.
The extra length of these kayaks makes them great for long-distance paddling and multi-day trips. The hull typically measures 12 to 20ft in length, and the beam width can vary from 18 to 28 inches.
This means that while they may be more difficult to paddle, they make up for it in their ability to track swiftly.
The extended-sized kayaks are faster because of the smaller bow wave created at the kayak’s bow. The bow is farther away in these extended boats making it easier for the kayak to overtake the wave when it hits. This is referred to as the “hull speed.”
Recreational Kayaks
Recreational kayaks are popular for lakes, slow-moving rivers, inlets, etc. A recreational kayak can be a sit-inside or a sit-on-top. These are roughly in the range of 9-12 feet long and are about 28-34 inches wide. They often weigh about 35-70 pounds.
Recreational kayaks are pretty stable, easy to paddle, track well, and have room for gear. These kayaks are designed for easy paddling and transport.
Tandem Kayaks
Tandem kayaks are built for two paddlers. I have said it before, and I will repeat it. Tandem kayaks are a blessing and a curse. The blessing is you have 2x the paddling power! The curse is that no matter how fast you paddle, you can’t get away from your co-paddler.
When my wife and I were looking at buying our first kayak, the guy asked if we wanted a tandem. That was a hard “NO” for my wife.
Anyway, back on point here. All things being equal, tandem kayaks are longer than solo kayaks because you need room for two people and gear. Tandems tend to average in the 12-14 foot range.
Fishing Kayaks
Fishing kayaks need to be stable. You need a stable boat when casting or reeling in fish. Some fishing kayaks are stable enough to stand up and cast.
Fishing kayaks are a bit longer and wider than your average run-of-the-mill kayak. You can expect a fishing kayak to fall in the 10-14 foot range. But fishing kayaks are often wider than an average kayak, about 30-42 inches wide.
Whitewater Kayaks
Whitewater kayaks are in a whole different class altogether. These kayaks need to be small and nimble. Many of these kayaks are 6-7 feet long.
Finding the Best Kayak for a Tall Person
If you are on the taller side, your best bet is to find a 10- to 12ft long recreational kayak. Or if you’re interested in the sea and touring kayaks, a tall person may find the 14 to 16ft kayaks more comfortable.
There can, of course, be exceptions to weight and height when looking for the right kayak. You may have to compromise on comfort if you are tall and thin.
Your weight may put you in a low-volume kayak, and your height may place you in a medium-volume kayak.
At that point, it’s all about finding what makes you the most comfortable. Weight can be added to your preferred kayak hatches to help it maneuver how you are most comfortable.
So adjustments can be made to ensure the most comfortable ride in most cases.
What Activities Are You Doing?
Different activities require different sizes of kayaks; it’s not all about your height and weight. For example, you don’t want to take a long sea or touring kayak down a raging whitewater river. Whitewater requires a smaller, much more agile boat.
Likewise, most medium-sized recreational or day trip kayaks are not meant for touring on the ocean. For calmer bays and seas, you would want a longer boat that will be much faster and require less effort to cover distances.
Test Out a Kayak Before You Buy
If you can test a kayak before you buy, that is ideal. You may want to rent a kayak and try different sizes before you take the plunge.
You may have considered every little detail when trying to find the perfect kayak, but thinking and knowing can be completely different when finding the perfect size kayak.
A more experienced paddler may know what they are looking for and jump in feet first.
But if you are starting, the best advice I can give you is to seek advice from more experienced paddlers around you or in your area.
The last thing you want is to purchase a kayak that doesn’t feel right.
FAQs
Is a 10-Ft Kayak Big Enough?
It really depends on what kayak fits you and your activity the best. A 10-foot kayak is great for an average-sized person paddling on calm water.
What Size Kayak Should a Beginner Buy?
A recreational kayak in the 9-12 foot range is great for a beginner. Beginners need a kayak that is stable and easy to paddle. A 10-foot recreational kayak is a great place to start.
How Do You Determine What Size Kayak You Need?
The right kayak size is the one that fits you the best and is best for your activity. A longer, more narrow kayak will go fast and straight. A wider, shorter kayak will sacrifice speed but is better for a beginner.
So, what size kayak do you need?
Hopefully, you have a better understanding of what size kayak you need. Unfortunately, the answer is both simple and a little complicated.
Acknowledge your weight and height and consider the volume, width, and length of the kayak you want to purchase.
Knowing what you plan to use your kayak for is a huge help in deciding and sitting in different models to see what feels most comfortable.
Remember to be safe. Wear the proper protective gear and life vests, and always check your local weather before going out on the water. Another safety precaution is always having another paddler with you on the water. Have fun, and stay safe!
