Proper Fitting for a Kayak

Kayaking on lakes, rivers and oceans is an excellent way to experience the outdoors. Paddling can bring you into new wilderness, across treacherous seas or down raging rivers. Because of their enclosed design, kayaks require more careful thought than canoes upon purchase and selection. Whether you are a novice or an experienced paddler, it is important to check for a proper fit before heading out. It can make the difference between a memorable trip and one you'd rather forget.

  1. Selecting a Kayak

    • First you must choose the right kayak to match your body type and intended usage. Vaclav Stejskal, a kayak builder from Watertown, Massachusetts, recommends investigating the following specifications when you select a kayak: paddler weight range, ideal loading weight, designed waterline, "sinkage," front height and rear height. You can read in detail about these on his website, www.oneoceankayaks.com/kayakpick.htm.

      For someone just starting out, the most essential of these items to check when selecting your kayak are paddler weight range and ideal loading. Make sure that your weight plus the weight of your gear is well within the ideal weight range of the boat. If you choose a boat that has either too small or too large of a weight range for you and your gear, you will not be using the boat to its maximum efficiency. This can lead to a frustrating experience instead of an enjoyable one, where the amount of effort you are putting in is not getting you as much distance as it should.

      From a safety perspective, make sure that you can easily slide in and out of the top opening of your boat. If the opening is too large, you will have difficulty controlling the kayak. Likewise, if the opening is too small, you will have difficulty exiting the boat in case of an emergency.

    Proper Positioning and Contacts

    • Now that you have a boat that fits your body weight and gear load, you can adjust it to fit your specific body type. Ocean River Sports, a kayak outfitter based in Victoria, British Columbia, suggests fitting your footrest, backrest, leg position and thigh braces.

      Sit in the boat with your rear end up against the backrest and your back in a straight up and down position. Find the pedals with your feet. These pedals are what you will use to move the rudder, and they will also help you keep your body in proper position as you paddle. Therefore, the pedals should be close enough for you to push them out with the balls of your feet, but far enough away that your legs are comfortable.

      Your lower thighs should lightly touch the inner wall of the kayak, and your knees should be slightly bent. Try putting a cushion or small dry bag under your thighs to relieve the pressure on your sciatic nerve. This also provides a place to relax your legs throughout long days of paddling.

      Nigel Foster Kayaks offers instructional videos on kayaking, including proper fitting. Their website is www.nigelfosterkayaks.com/video_training.html.

    Continuing to Make Adjustments

    • Throughout your trip, make adjustments as necessary to increase your comfort and relieve any persistent pains. If this is your first trip in a kayak, make sure to go with others with experience. They can help by bracing your boat if you need to move foot pedals back or forth, or offer suggestions if you begin to feel discomfort on the water.