Kayaking does not demand the paddler to be thin or of a specific gender. Be it a male or female-heavy paddler, anybody can ride on kayaks. However, the problem stems from humiliation and accidents.
Most of the time, plus-size paddlers don’t know which kayak best suits their body dimensions. Consequently, they buy a smaller kayak or give up their dream of kayaking.
Giving up kayaking causes no harm, but buying a smaller kayak does. Imagine you are a fat paddler, bought a wrong-sized kayak, and fell backward as soon as you stepped into it.
So, embarrassing? No worries; we have devised a solution for heavy people who love kayaking. Here we will discuss how does a fat person get in a kayak and other necessary details.
How does a fat person get in a kayak?
If you are fat, you must be extra cautious when preparing to get in a kayak. A misstep or haste can cause further complications. Read and follow the steps for getting in a kayak.
First, drag the kayak halfway into the water to find stability. Then, grab the paddle and put it across the kayak to find the balance. Now, holding the paddle across the kayak, put your one leg first in the kayak and sit. Never put both legs simultaneously; you will fall by overturning the boat.
After sitting comfortably in the kayak, the other leg is in. You can practice some exercises to get in and out of a kayak.
After entering the kayak, ask your friend to push it into the water. If you are alone, detach the paddle and flip it around (the flat part must face the sky). Place the narrow part of the paddle on the ground and push the kayak into the water by yourself.
How to get into a kayak
What is the weight limit for kayaks?
Before knowing the weight limit for kayaks, let’s learn how to recognize a kayak that is compatible with fat people.
You have to do a little math for this matter. First, add your weight and the weight of the gear you will use. The added weight will be known as the performance weight limit. Next, convert the result into pounds and divide it by 0.7. The number you will get is the maximum weight capacity of a kayak.
For example, you weigh 200 pounds, and your gear weighs 28 pounds, for a total of 228 pounds. Now, divide 228 pounds by 0.7; the result is slightly higher than 325 pounds.
A kayak’s performance highly depends on the weight that it can handle. When you and your equipment weigh 228 pounds, you need a kayak eligible to carry 228 pounds. Find a kayak with a 325-pound maximum weight capacity, not with a 228-pound maximum weight capacity.
Some manufacturers mention their kayaks’ performance weight limit and maximum weight capacity in the manual sheet, which can make your calculation easier.
If the manual doesn’t show the two figures together, there is another trick to learn. Buy a kayak with a capacity of at least 100-125 pounds more than the performance weight limit.
Let’s say you know only the maximum weight capacity and are confused about your total load requirements. Calculate the performance weight limit by multiplying the maximum weight capacity by 0.7 and get the result in a second. Or reduce 30-35% of the maximum weight capacity. Now it’s time to know the weight capacity of different kayaks.
- Recreational kayak – 250-300 pounds.
- Touring/sea kayak – 350 pounds.
- Sit-on-top/sit-in kayak – 350-400 pounds.
- Fishing kayak – 400-550 pounds.
- Tandem kayak – 500-700 pounds.
How to choose the best fishing kayak for big guys?
The best big-person fishing kayaks‘ weight, material, and cockpit are equally important, along with the maximum weight capacity.
Generally, fishing kayaks are lightweight, durable, and well-resistant. The material plays a big role in making a kayak perfect from every angle. Polyethylene kayaks resist impact and water, soft shell kayaks resist abrasion and punctures, and composite kayaks, though expensive, last comparatively longer.
A great material ensures durability and portability at its best. Also, a fishing kayak should be wide and long enough to sit comfortably, get in and out easily, catch fish while standing, and provide plenty of legroom.
If the kayak has all these amenities, it will cause less physical discomfort to heavy paddlers. Another debate centers around paddling and pedaling.
Paddle fishing kayaks are cheaper and require hands to operate both the kayak and the fishing rod. However, pedal fishing kayaks require legs to drive the kayak, which frees both hands and increases the joy of fishing.
Are you a big guy who wants to buy a fishing kayak? Take these factors into account and budget. And see which fishing kayak can give you the most comfort and maneuverability at the lowest price.
What Load Capacity to Look for When Buying a Kayak
When looking for a new kayak, aim for about 70% of its load capacity.
For instance, if you are:
- 200 pounds
- 100 pounds of supplies and equipment
- planning to catch 50 pounds of fishing.
You’d need a kayak with a load capacity of at least 350 pounds. Instead of seeking a kayak with that load capacity, look for one with a load capacity of 500 pounds, because 350 pounds is 70% of 500.
Can Fat People Kayak? Kayak recommendations and tip
FAQs:
1. Can a fat person fit in a kayak?
– Yes, a fat person can fit in a kayak. They can even enjoy all the benefits of a kayak like a thin person. If a fat person chooses a narrowboat or kayak, they can get disappointed about kayaking. But the solution is to choose the kayak that is the right size.
2. How do fat people get on a kayak?
– Fat people must be more careful when they get on a kayak. Maintaining proper weight balance is important here. A fat person can get on a kayak with added caution. For example, they can enter with a half weight with one leg. Then, give the second half weight to another leg.
3. Where does the heavier person sit in a kayak?
– Right weight distribution can improve kayaking performance. A heavier person should sit on the kayak stern instead of the front. As a result, the weight will be distributed evenly with another paddler on that kayak.
4. How strict are kayak weight limits?
– The kayak weight limit is roughly strict for paddlers. Generally, a recreational kayak’s weight limit is 250 to 300 pounds. On the contrary, a touring kayak has a 350-pound weight limit. Maintaining the weight limit is vital. Otherwise, a paddler may face the worst experience.
Final words:
That’s all, folks! I hope our information will greatly help you next time you buy or ride a kayak. Read the section on how a fat person gets in a kayak thoroughly and practice the process repeatedly until you learn it.
Don’t forget to ignore others’ bad mouths; don’t let them destroy your happiness. You also have the right to enjoy yourself. We wish you happy and enjoyable kayaking.
Hello. My name is Tony K. Henderson. I love kayaking whenever I get the time, and I am very fond of fishing, too. The techniques and knowledge of being a paddler are amusing. I have shared all my knowledge about kayaking and fishing on my website. Feel free to read them and learn more important things and facts about kayaking and fishing.