How to Fit a Kayak Cockpit

Sizing a kayak cockpit that fits you correctly is the most important part of purchasing a new kayak. You must be able to sit correctly in an effective paddling position, have full mobility of your upper body without any discomfort and have complete stabilization control through adequate upper leg contact with the sides of your kayak. Because of the individuality of cockpit sizing be sure to sit in and even paddle kayaks before buying. If a cockpit fits well in most areas, but is loose or slightly uncomfortable in the legs or sides, you can further customize the fit.

Things You'll Need

  • Kayaking life jacket
  • Kayak paddle
  • Block foam
  • Writing instrument
  • Crosscut handsaw
  • Waterproof adhesive
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Instructions

  1. Fitting Your Kayak

    • 1

      Sit in your potential kayak with a life jacket on. Wearing your life jacket ensures the best fit when sitting in the cockpit, since the kayak must not only fit you, but your life jacket as well.

    • 2

      Scoot back into the seat as far as possible. With your back upright and leaning slightly forward, bend your knees so that they rest on the knee braces. In this position you should feel that you have steady control of the kayak, your thighs should brush the upper knee pads and the foot pedals (if included on the kayak) should be adjusted to accommodate your proper paddling position.

    • 3

      Paddle the kayak to observe the limits of upper body motion. Paddling should feel natural and comfortable. If it does not, try another kayak until it does. Rock the kayak several times to feel its secondary stability and to estimate your ability to recover when necessary.

    • 4

      Choose a kayak based on the type of paddling you will do, the storage space available and most importantly the cockpit's fit with you seated. If there are loose spots or empty spaces when inside the cockpit, plan to customize with block foam.

    Customizing Your Kayak

    • 5

      Plan the areas of the cockpit you wish to modify for a snugger fit. This may include the seat bottom, seat back, knee pads or hip braces.

    • 6

      Sit in your kayak and observe where the additional foam should be placed, at what angle and with what cut away. You might want to cut away cups on the seat bottom, mold the knee pads to the angle of your knees or add hip braces that support your waist.

    • 7

      Draw carefully the outlines of the cut-away sections on the blocks of foam. Because this is an inexact process, there are fewer possible measurements. Instead, follow the curves of your knees, hips, buttocks or back for the most exact design of the cut-away foam.

    • 8

      Saw the block foam as close to your guidelines as possible using the crosscut handsaw. You may also need to cut the kayak or adhesive side of the foam so that it matches the shape of your kayak's hull.

    • 9

      Apply the waterproof adhesive to the kayak side of the newly cut foam. Glue and tape adhesive options can be interchanged as long as they are waterproof. Set the foam pads in their corresponding places in the kayak cockpit. Hold the foam in place for at least 15 seconds and longer if directed by the adhesive's directions. Allow to dry at least 24 hours before paddling.