Does Kayaking Have a Weight Limit?
One of the most important factors you need to consider when purchasing a kayak is its weight limit. An overweight kayak can slow you down or it might even sink into the water. To avoid all these, it is important to check the weight factors before getting a kayak.
This article here answers all the necessary questions around the topic to give you a clear view. Check out to know about kayak’s weight limits and how much you should carry along with you.
Everything You Need to Know About Kayak Weight Limit
The kayaks sold in the market has their own weight limits. If you want to remain above water level when you are kayaking then you should bring items below the mentioned limit.
If it exceeds the limit, you will sink into the water. When you are above the weight limit and trying to paddle, there are chances that your kayak will overturn into the water.
Factors that Decide the Kayak Weight Limit
These three factors are the basic factors used by kayak manufacturers to determine the weight limit. But this is not a standard measurement as every boat makers use their own form of measurement.
Why is it Important to Consider Your Weight?
The weight limit is how much a kayak can carry to float above the water. So, if you weigh 300 pounds, it doesn’t mean a 300-pound kayak can float you on the water.
This has to be considered carefully in sit-on-top kayaks where only the top of the kayak would be above the water. As the rest of the kayak is under the water, it would be difficult to paddle already.
So, when weight capacity is mentioned, it not only refers to your weight but also all the things that you carry including your paddle. This is why you should always get a kayak that is above your weight.
Major Consequences of Overloading a Kayak
Kayak might sink into the water if it has items beyond the weight limit
Increases the chances of capsizing your gear, your kayak, and your fellow travelers'
Stability of the kayak will be lost
How Much Weight Can a Kayak Hold?
Every kayak is built differently with various purposes and has different weight limits. Let’s take a look at the following types of kayaks and their weight limits.
1. Weight Capacity of Recreational Kayaks
Recreational kayaks are used for casual activities such as fishing. They are the basic type of kayaks used in all bodies of water. Recreational kayaks are wide and stable and no experience is needed to paddle them.
They are mostly used by beginners and people who paddle in lakes with slow-moving water. The main purpose of recreational kayaking is to have fun in the water. As they are used for recreational purposes, they have the lowest weight capacity of all kayaks. The weight limit of recreational kayaks is 250 to 300 pounds.
2. Weight Capacity of Touring Kayaks
Touring kayaks are an upgraded version of recreational kayaks. They are thinner, longer, and are designed to paddle faster and to farther areas. You can easily track down your position in fast-moving water as they provide more stability to you.
If you’re a beginner in paddling, touring kayaks can be unsteady for you. As a result of being lengthy, with touring kayaks, you can travel in a straight line avoiding changing course. Touring kayaks can hold up to a maximum of 350 pounds.
3. Weight Capacity of Sit-On-Top Kayaks
Sit-On-Top kayaks are more user-friendly than other types. Instead of sitting inside of a kayak, you will be sitting on the top surface of this kayak. It is also easy for you to get in and get out of the boat.
They have more space inside of them so you can even take your pet along with you. Plus, they’re stable and have scupper holes that prevent them from taking more water weight.
Sit-on-top kayaks are an ideal option for beginners and young paddlers. They have a maximum weight capacity of 350-400 pounds offering more than regular closed cockpit models.
4. Weight Capacity of Tandem Kayaks
Unlike other kayaks, tandem kayaks can hold two people in them. It means two people can paddle together offering more acceleration. Tandem kayaks are a better option for families and friends who want to spend time together.
Also, they have more space available so you can carry more items. You can introduce the world of kayaking to newcomers by taking them on a tandem kayak. The average weight limit of tandem kayaks is from 500 - 600 pounds.
5. Weight Capacity of Inflatable Kayaks
Inflatable kayaks are PVC layered kayaks filled with air that provides lightness to float on the water. The design is similar to other kayaks from bow to stern, except for the difference of being inflatable.
They have more stability, are easy to transfer from place to place, and are durable. As they have more air chambers, they will not sink in easily. Inflatable kayaks can hold up to a maximum of 450 - 700 pounds.
6. Weight capacity of a fishing kayak
Fishing kayaks are designed with a sit-on-top design customized to accommodate the gear of an angler. They are shorter and wider compared to other kayaks and they have an additional storage room for convenience. The short and wide design gives more stability to the paddlers.
They are built with bulkheads and hatches which prevent the water from reaching the equipment. Fishing kayaks can carry from 400 - 550 pounds.
7. Weight capacity of a youth kayak
Youth kayaks are kayaks designed for kids of 5 years are for those who weigh up to 130 pounds. They are longer and narrower than adult kayaks.
Comparison of the Weight Capacity of Different Kayaks
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What size kayak do I need for my height and weight?
There are kayaks available in various sizes in the market. You can select them accordingly to your weight limit. But your weight should not exceed the kayak’s mentioned weight limit. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds and the gear you carry comes 30 pounds, you should choose a kayak that has a weight limit of 180 pounds, not the one that has a maximum weight capacity of 180 pounds.
Height determines the center of gravity and affects stability. If you are a tall person, you will need more legroom. Hence, a 12 feet recreational kayak will be ideal. If you’re a person of average height, and 8 to 10 feet kayak will be a good choice as they will have more legroom available.
2. Can you go over the weight limit on a kayak?
It is advisable that you do not overload your kayak. They can easily get below the recommended water level and are likely to get affected by wind and rain. Also, paddling will be a bit difficult when you go over the weight limit especially when you are traveling alone.
3. How to calculate the maximum weight capacity of a kayak?
Calculating the weight capacity of the kayak is an important point you should be aware of before you set off. First, decide your weight requirements. This includes your body weight, the weight of your gears, and additional passengers that you plan to take along.
For example, if you weigh around 150 pounds, and other pieces of equipment weigh 30 pounds, you should go for a kayak that can hold 180 pounds weight limit. Not the one that has the maximum weight capacity of 180 pounds. Once you are clear with this, purchasing and planning for kayaking will be easy.
4. Is there a way to increase the weight capacity of a kayak?
The weight limit can be increased by adding airbags in any one or several of the bulkheads of the kayak’s compartment. This adds extra floatation so that your kayak can handle more weight during longer trips.
5. Is there a formula to get the performance weight limit of a kayak?
The kayak’s performance weight limit can be calculated by using the capacity formula Performance weight limit = Maximum weight capacity ✕ 0.7
The weight limit has to max out 30% to 40% less than the specified weight limit to avoid capsizing of the kayak.
Conclusion
Considering the weight capacity of the kayak is important because it not only affects the kayak's performance but also its ability to float and your safety.
Now that you know the key points it is going to be an easy job for you to pick the right kayak based on your requirements. Hope this article helped you in making an informed decision, Drop a line if you have any questions in the comment box and we will get back to you soon.