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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Kayak size

What size kayak for 70 to 85 kg paddler?

Recommended size

3.3 to 3.7 m (11 to 12 ft) rec or touring

If your your body weight is 70 to 85 kg paddler, go with a 3.3 to 3.7 m (11 to 12 ft) rec or touring. 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.

Full 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.

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Compare top-rated kayak in 3.3 to 3.7 m (11 to 12 ft) rec or touring from trusted retailers.

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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.

FAQ

What size kayak for 70 to 85 kg paddler?: For your body weight of 70 to 85 kg paddler, the recommended kayak size is 3.3 to 3.7 m (11 to 12 ft) rec or touring.
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.