How Wide Are Most Kayaks?

The average width of a kayak is around 26 inches, but it can range from as narrow as 20 inches to as wide as 40 inches or more. The width of a kayak is determined by its intended use, with narrower kayaks designed for speed and maneuverability and wider kayaks designed for stability and ease of use. Modern sea kayaks have more ergonomic, keyhole-shaped cockpits measuring about 30 inches long by 18 to 20 inches wide. Most kayaks are between 24 to 32 inches wide, while recreational models tend to be broader for greater stability.

Choosing the correct kayak width is essential for both comfort and convenience. The four fundamental dimensions for a kayak are kayak length, kayak width, kayak deckcockpit height, and kayak weight. Kayak volume is measured in gallons or cubic feet, and the larger the volume, the more space for paddlers and extra gear. The average length of a kayak is 10 feet (3.04 meters), but size can vary greatly depending on the type of kayak and its purpose.

The width of typical kayak types is typically 26 to 30 inches, typically 6-12 feet long. Touring kayaks typically span from 52 to 58 cm, and new paddlers can choose kayaks from 54 to 58 cm in width without feeling unsafe.

Youth recreation (6-8) typically requires a kayak between 6 and 8 feet, while sea kayaks typically range from 16 to 22 feet in length and 20 to 24 inches in width. Fishing kayaks are typically 30 or so inches long, but are typically easier to flip over, depending on one’s abilities. Recreational kayaks come in both sit on and sit-in variations, with most measuring under 14 ft.

How wide is a kayak in CM?

The width of kayaks will normally span from 52 to 58 cm. If you are a new paddler you can easily choose kayaks from 54 to 58 cm in width – and still feel safe, stable and comfortable. Adding width by just a few centimeters will mean a slower boat and we do not recommend choosing a kayak more than 58 cm wide.

Since it narrows to a point at both ends the hull shape varies quite a bit throughout the length of a kayak. The area just underneath the cockpit is where the hull shape has the biggest impact on both speed and stability. You may notice that the shape of that area also varies quite a bit. The hull shape has a big impact on speed and stability.

The three most common hull shapes are: A) Round: The fastest hull shape but with low stability. B) Shallow V: An all round hull shape with decent speed and medium stability. C) Flat: The slowest hull shape but very stable.

What are the basic dimensions of a kayak?

Basic recreational kayaks are often 9 to 12 feet long and are wonderful boats for flatwater environments, from lakes to slow-moving rivers and estuaries. They tend to be fairly broad-beamed and quite stable, and usually offer enough storage space for an afternoon jaunt.

If you’re looking for a swifter boat with more capacity for longer trips, consider a performance recreational kayak. These can offer additional features such as skegs (which reinforce tracking) and rudders (for more precise steering) to support longer-distance paddling.

Tandem kayaks have two cockpits to accommodate a pair of paddlers—or more storage space. These are awesome boats for couples or parents with children. Along with single-piece tandems, modular kayaks with detachable sections make it easy to add on an additional cockpit. You can find tandems in both sit-inside and sit-on-top (see below) models.

Do kayaks flip a lot?

Conditions that Cause a Kayak to Tip. Generally, kayaks are safe and don’t just tip over for no reason. Most of the time when someone experiences this, it’s due to a lack of balance or conditions on the water outside of their control.

For example, it’s rather difficult, even for a beginner, to tip over in a recreation kayak on a calm river. A sporting kayak going up against strong rapids or out on a choppy ocean runs a greater risk of tipping, regardless of skill level, because it takes more skill to navigate those conditions. It can also be more difficult to control your boat if it’s super windy out, as those winds affect the water significantly.

Aside from weather conditions, if you’re new to kayaking there is a learning curve in navigating how to balance and paddle on the water. If you’re in shallower water with a larger boat, you could run up against the river bed, and that stalling tends to throw newer boaters off balance. Without the experience on how to paddle out of getting stuck, especially if the current picks up a bit, one naturally runs the risk of tipping over.

Seasoned kayakers who are taking their first stabs at angling can also run into an issue with tipping. Having to multitask and focus on the mechanics of kayaking and fishing at once is a very different experience, and it throws some off. Especially if a bite is taking considerable effort to reel in, and one hasn’t anchored correctly, that angler could easily tip over, even in deeper water.

Are shorter kayaks slower?

At speeds approaching ‘hull speed’, wave drag dominates. Hull speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a given displacement hull, and is proportional to the square root of the waterline length of the kayak. A longer kayak will have correspondingly higher ‘hull speed’, so it’s able to reach a higher maximum speed. However, it’s important to note that it requires considerable output from the paddler to get to maximum speed. In short, the slower you paddle, the less the kayak length will help you go faster.

2. The width of your kayak determines kayak speed. As kayaks get longer in length, they tend to get shorter in width. This is because hull speed also increases as the proportion of length to width increases. While width is less of a factor than length, width has a big impact on the next determinant of kayak speed.

For example, our popular Stellar S18 touring kayak is 18′ long, but has a beam (width) of 21.5″. The S16 model is a little shorter, at 16’3″, but is also a tad wider at 22.1″

3. The efficiency of the paddler determines kayak speed. When it comes to kayaks, there’s no getting around it: you are the engine that makes it go, and the more efficient you are as a paddler, the faster you’ll go.

Is a wider kayak better?

The width of a kayak mainly impacts its speed and its stability on the water. The wider the kayak, the slower it is—but the more stable it is.

Recreational kayaks are 28 inches and wider, sometimes much wider. Touring kayaks are normally from 23-28 inches wide and sea kayaks are usually 21-24 inches wide.

Sea kayaks are narrow, rounded and with a V-bow shape for speed and performance in rough conditions (photo courtesy of David Horkan)

Hull design (the shape of the bottom of the boat) is a key aspect of a kayak’s performance. While more and more hybrid models are being designed, these are the basic hull shapes.

How wide should a kayak be?

If you’re unsure of the width of your boat, measure your kayak at its widest point. As a reference, here are the widths of typical kayak types:

Recreational Kayak width of 26″ to 30″. These boats are generally 6-12 feet long.

Touring Kayak width 22″ to 25″. These boats are typically 12-15 feet long.

Performance Kayak width 19″ to 22″. These boats are even longer at 15-18 feet.

Whitewater Kayak The width of the boat is not as critical of a factor as the paddlers height is. These boats are typically around 7-11 feet long.

Is a 10 foot kayak too small?

Kayak Size for Short People. Luckily for shorter paddlers finding a kayak that fits won’t be too much of a struggle as 8 to 10 feet recreational kayaks will have enough leg room for most average-height adults. From here, if you’re choosing a sit-in kayak the next decision would be whether you want a low, medium, or high volume cockpit.

For beginner paddlers who are just learning how to paddle, then a longer cockpit is recommended. Intermediate paddlers who are after greater control of their kayak can size down to a shorter cockpit.

Kayak Size for Heavier People. For sit on top kayaks, your only concern will be the maximum weight capacity. As we said before, add up your weight and any additional gear you’ll take with you and find a kayak suitable.

Are 8 foot kayaks for adults?

Most recreational kayaks come in 8-, 10- or 12-foot lengths. Aside from youth kayaks, 8 foot kayaks are some of the shortest boats you’ll find. With an 8 ft kayak, you’ll get a kayak that turns much more quickly than a longer boat. These petite packages store easily and suit smaller paddlers like kids or shorter adults.

As a kayak’s speed is greatly influenced by its length, these shorter kayaks won’t be winning races. What 8 foot kayaks lack in speed, they make up for in portability and comfort. Any paddler with a smaller frame will be in complete control of these scaled-down kayaks. Storing and transporting an 8 foot kayak is also easier as they take up less space.

Whether you’re looking for your first kayak or your next one, if you’re considering an 8-footer, you’re in the right place. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the 8 ft kayak market, including boats from all manufacturers across the entire price spectrum. An 8 foot kayak is an excellent option for recreational paddlers looking for a sit-inside or sit-on-top kayak that performs well for casual use on calm, sheltered water.

Is an 8 foot kayak good?

Whether you’re looking for your first kayak or your next one, if you’re considering an 8-footer, you’re in the right place. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the 8 ft kayak market, including boats from all manufacturers across the entire price spectrum. An 8 foot kayak is an excellent option for recreational paddlers looking for a sit-inside or sit-on-top kayak that performs well for casual use on calm, sheltered water.

Just a note: we will focus on recreational and fishing kayaks here. If you search elsewhere, you may also come across 8-foot whitewater kayaks. While whitewater kayaks may be the same length, they have different hull shapes and outfitting from recreational kayaks and will not share the same stability or ease of use that “rec boats” offer.

Top picks: Best 8-foot kayaks for2024. The following 8-foot kayaks have received the highest star ratings by reviewers in our Paddling Buyer’s Guide. See and review all 8-foot kayaks here.

Shop 8-foot kayaks. Browse our Paddling Buyer’s Guide for all the essential details on all the best 8 ft kayaks on the market. Here, you will find specifications, prices, reviews and where to buy the best 8 foot kayaks and more. It’s all in one place, saving you the trouble of jumping from website to website. Follow the links below to filter the kayaks by type, user, brand or store.

Is a 12 foot kayak good for beginners?

Generally speaking, a 12 ft kayak is considered a mid-sized kayak and is suitable for recreational paddling, touring, and exploring calm and slow-moving water bodies such as lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers. These kayaks can be stable and maneuverable enough to provide a good paddling experience for beginners.

Is a 30 inch wide kayak stable?

Primary stability refers to the ability of the kayak to remain steady on flat water. A broader/wider kayak will have more primary stability – it is less likely to wobble or flip – than a narrower kayak. Most fishing kayaks come in around 30-40 inches wide. In comparison, a racing kayak would be 28 inches. This gain in stability from a wider base is often sacrificed in speed. But when your purpose is fishing, you aren’t usually looking to break any speed records.

Secondary stability refers to the ability of the kayak to resist tipping during side to side movements. How a kayak handles waves, currents, or leaning over to land a fish will tell you a lot about its secondary stability. Fishing kayaks will often have a pontoon shaped hull to improve stability during these unexpected events. The pontoon hull is particularly good at reducing side-to-side tipping and providing the stability you need to stand up on the deck. Round hulls are another popular option with fishing kayaks; they have good stability and still pick up some speed.

One tip to remember: trust your kayak. If you are feeling uneasy moving about or unbalanced on your yak, it might be more you than the vessel. Your kayak will rock – it was designed to. As you get more comfortable with the movement of the kayak, you will learn that you can trust this. Let the kayak have its sway; it was designed to move with the water. Experience will show you how to use that feature to work for you.

What is the most common kayak size?

Best size kayak for a 6 ft person. A person of average height, say 5’8″ to six feet, will find they fit properly in most average sized kayaks. It’s hard to pinpoint an exact kayak size for this size of person. The typical average length kayaks—8 to 12 feet for a recreational kayak or 12 to 14 feet for a day touring kayak—will work well for a 6-foot-tall person.

The decision ultimately comes down to personal preference so try out as many options as you can—in the conditions you’re mostly likely to be paddling in—to find what’s right for you.

VIEW ALL 8–12 FOOT RECREATIONAL KAYAKSVIEW ALL 12–14 FOOT DAY TOURING KAYAKS.