How to Size a Kayak

Proper kayak sizing is a product of body dimensions. For best performance a kayak must properly fit the body that is in it.

Things You'll Need

  • The following archaic body measurements are used when determining proper kayak sizing:
  • One fathom = the span of your outstretched arms from fingertip to fingertip.
  • One fist width = the width of your clenched fist.
  • One fistmele = the width of your fist plus your thumb outstretched.
  • Hip width = the widest point of the hips at the joint, not the hip bone.
  • One foot = The length of your foot.
  • Note: These measurements will be different for every individual, thus allowing a custom kayak sizing
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Instructions

  1. Sizing the Kayak

    • 1

      Measure your fathom length. The length of a kayak should be three fathoms. So, for a person who's wingspan is 5 feet, 6 inches the ideal kayak length would be 16 feet, 6 inches. The length is related to your reach. The longer your reach the more leverage you have, which translates into needing a longer boat for proper balance.

    • 2

      Measure your hip width. The beam, or width, of the kayak should be the width of your hips plus two fist widths. An easy way to measure this is to sit on a floor, put one fist on each side of your hips and mark the outside edges. This is the optimal width for your kayak.

    • 3

      Measure the length of your fistmele--the fist in the thumbs-up position. This is the proper height for the inside of the hull. This height assures that you can lay your head or shoulders against the deck behind you in order to get your center of gravity as close as possible to the water line in the event you need to roll the kayak.

    • 4

      Measure one of your feet. The small of your back should set one foot length back from the geometric center of the kayak. This determines where the force of the paddler will be transferred to the kayak.