What size kayak do I need for my weight?

Stay well under the kayak weight capacity. Lighter paddlers suit 9 to 11 ft recreational hulls; heavier paddlers and tourers want 12 ft and up with higher volume.

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What size kayak do I need?

Kayak length and volume are matched to your weight and the type of paddling. Recreational kayaks are short and stable; touring kayaks are long and fast. We list a recreational starting point by weight.

Size finder — enter your body weight (kg)

Enter your body weight to see your recommended size.

Kayak size chart

Your body weight	Recommended size
40 to 55 kg paddler	2.7 to 3.0 m (9 to 10 ft) recreational
55 to 70 kg paddler	3.0 to 3.3 m (10 to 11 ft) recreational
70 to 85 kg paddler	3.3 to 3.7 m (11 to 12 ft) rec or touring
85 to 100 kg paddler	3.7 to 4.3 m (12 to 14 ft) touring
100 to 120 kg paddler	4.3 m and up high-volume touring Check the cockpit and weight capacity.
child or light paddler under 40 kg	2.4 to 2.7 m (8 to 9 ft) youth kayak
heavy paddler 120 kg and up	Sit-on-top with 160 kg+ capacity

How to measure

Note your body weight plus any gear you carry.
Match weight to the kayak capacity, staying well under the max.
Pick length by use: shorter for ponds, longer for distance and tracking.

What changes your size

Calm lakes / beginners	Short, wide recreational kayak for stability.
Long distance / sea	Longer touring kayak tracks straighter and is faster.
Fishing	Sit-on-top with high capacity and a wide, stable hull.

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FAQ

What size kayak do I need for my weight?: Stay well under the kayak weight capacity. Lighter paddlers suit 9 to 11 ft recreational hulls; heavier paddlers and tourers want 12 ft and up with higher volume.