What size kayak is best?
A kayak is an extension of your body much like hiking boots or skis and ski poles. It should be sized to fit the kayaker who will be wearing it. Not only should the fit be such that the kayaker is neither pinched by or rattling around in the cockpit, but the length and width should be proportional to the size and strength of the paddler. Far too many paddlers are sold kayaks that are too big for them because of a misinterpretation on their (or the salesman s) part of the “common knowledge” that “longer is faster” or “more stability is always better”. For a small or less strong paddler just the opposite is most often true.
