How to Create Speed in a Kayak

Kayaks achieve "hull speed" by propulsion. Most often, this propulsion is delivered from the pushing effect from the dual-bladed kayak paddles, but may also come from sails or wind. Two things are required to achieve the kayak's hull-speed: effective and sustained propulsion and breaking the water tension off the hull itself. Beyond the propulsion and speed, one factor that needs to be considered in the speed is the kayak's two forms of stability: primary and secondary.

Things You'll Need

  • Paddles
  • Sails
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Instructions

    • 1

      Look at the kayak from the front. Look down at the hull to determine what kind it is. A hull that has defined sections, like half a hexagon, is called a chined-hull. A hull that is rounded is called a round-hull, or soft-hull.

    • 2

      Get the kayak's dimensions. These are the length, width and beam. Length is measured from the end of the bow to the end of the stern; width is measured from the widest point of each side, most often at the cockpit; beam is measured at the side by the cockpit and is the distance from the bottom of the boat to the deck.

    • 3

      Use the calculations to figure out the kayak's abilities. Longer kayaks (singles) with 18 feet or more, with a narrow width of 22 inches or less indicate that the kayak has a fast hull-speed but will be unstable in the primary position. Primary stability is the kayak at rest; secondary is the kayak's stability at speed.

    • 4

      Add propulsion by paddling in the kayak or setting up a small sail. To add more speed than you may be able to give it, or the wind may give it, paddle using the available water conditions. Position the kayak at 25 to 45 degrees to waves, allowing the kayak to surf down the waves, adding speed.

    • 5

      Anticipate the weathercocking the kayak absorbs. Weathercocking is the turns of the waves or weather that pushes the kayak. Use any available kayak rudder or skeg to steer the kayak straight, particularly when surfing down the waves adding speed.