How does a fat person get in a kayak

How Does a Fat Person Get In a Kayak?-Guide For a Fat People Kayak

Kayaking does not demand the paddler to be thin or of a specific gender. Be it a male or female-heavy paddler, and 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 would fit best with their body dimensions. Consequently, they would end up buying a smaller kayak or giving 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 come up with 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?

When you are a fat person, you need to be extra cautious when preparing to get in a kayak. A misstep or haste can cause further complications. Read and follow the steps of 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 at the same time; you will fall by overturning the boat.

After sitting comfortably in the kayak, but the other leg in. You can practice some exercise for getting in and out of a kayak

Now that you have entered the kayak, ask your friend to push your kayak in the water. If you are by yourself only, detach the paddle, and flip it around (the flat part must be facing the sky). Place the narrow part of the paddle on the ground and push the kayak in the water by pushing 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 the compatible kayak for 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 numbers you will get would be the maximum weight capacity of a kayak. 

For example, you weigh 200 pounds, and your gear weighs 28 pounds, in total, 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, it means that you need a kayak that is 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 the performance weight limit and the maximum weight capacity of their kayaks in the manual sheet. It will make your calculation easier. 

If the manual doesn’t show the two figures together, there is another trick to learn. Buy a kayak that has the capacity of at least 100-125 pounds more than the performance weight limit. 

Let’s say you know only the maximum weight capacity, and you are confused about your total load requirements. Calculate the performance weight limit by multiplying the maximum weight capacity into 0.7 and get the result in just a second. Or reduce 30-35% of the maximum weight capacity. Now it’s time to know the weight capacity for 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 get 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 need hands to operate both the kayak and the fishing rod. However, pedal fishing kayaks require legs to drive the kayak, free both hands, and increase the joy of fishing. 

Are you a big guy and want 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 least price. 

What Load Capacity to Look for When Buying a Kayak

When looking for a new kayak, you should aim for about 70% of the load capacity of that kayak.

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 tips

FAQs:

1. Can a fat person fit in a kayak?

Yes, a fat person can fit in a kayak. Even they can enjoy all benefits from a kayak like a thin person. If somehow a fat person chooses a narrowboat or kayak, then they can get disappointed about kayaking. But the solution is to choose the right size of the kayak. 

2. How do fat people get on a kayak?

Fat people have to 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. And then give second-half weight with another leg. 

3. Where does the heavier person sit in a kayak?

Right weight distribution can make the kayaking performance better. A heavier person should sit on the kayak stern instead of the front. As a result, the weight will distribute 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 weight limit is 250 to 300 pounds. On the contrary, a touring kayak has 350 pounds 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 help you a lot next time you buy or ride a kayak. Read how does a fat person gets in a kayak section 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. 

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