How to Get a Big Guy Into a Kayak

Kayaking is a recreational sport enjoyed by men and women around the world. Most kayaks feature a closed deck design where the rider's legs and hips are covered as he sits in the kayak, although sit-top models are increasingly available. Riders propel themselves by paddling with a two-bladed oar through the water. Most kayaks are designed for people weighing around 150 pounds. If you are a large man though, there are a few models you can learn to get in and out of and which are designed to give you a comfortable ride.

Things You'll Need

  • Kayak with 400+ pound weight limit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase or rent a kayak with a 400+ pound weight limit. Look for one that accommodates 100 pounds above your actual weight to ensure that you don't take in too much water into your kayak during use and therefore make it harder on yourself to move through the water.

    • 2

      Float your kayak into shallow, calm water. Rest one end of your paddle on the rear deck of the kayak just behind the cockpit coaming and the other on the shore.

    • 3

      Squat next to your kayak, grab the paddle shaft and cockpit coaming in your right hand and grasp the shaft of the paddle closer to the shore with your left hand. Put your right leg into the kayak cockpit and slide it forward until your rear end begins to slide over the seat. Pick up your left leg and slide it in next to your right leg.

    • 4

      Bring your paddle up over your head so that it rests on the kayak in front of you and begin paddling to move yourself further out into the water. Get out of the kayak the same way you got in, except reversing the steps - put the paddle behind you, grasp it in both hands and the edge of the cockpit in your right hand, pull your left leg out followed by your rear end and right leg.