13 Things To Consider For Overweight Kayakers? 2026

Kayaking and canoeing for years as a larger guy and going with more prominent people picked up a few things I wish I had known beforehand. Rather than let this knowledge waste, I decided to write this up for you guys Obese Kayaking Overweight Kayakers. I hope you enjoy it!!

Before Renting, Call First - There Might Be A Weight Limit.

This is extremely important to consider before doing practically anything as a bigger person; yet, many businesses have weight limitations that are highly restricted. So be aware of the Weight Limit.

When you phone them, you should also make it a point to inquire about their boats and any other equipment they might have. Several locations offer additional stock goods for riders with more oversized frames. Canoes, on average, can carry far more weight than kayaks.

If The Bottom Part Of Your Body Is More Substantial Than Average, You May Have Difficulty Fitting Into The Seat.

For me, the top half of my body is where I carry the majority of my weight. It might be a problem for those of you who are unaware of it. It is undeniable that this isn't the case for a large majority of individuals most of the time. Please keep this in mind if you or the person you're kayaking with may be experiencing this problem. You always have the option of paddling a canoe instead. Kayaks often feature a more compact seating area, so they may not provide the same level of comfort for more prominent persons. If you are concerned about this, you can look up the dimensions of virtually any kayak or canoe currently on the market online. You can examine it before making any more inquiries by phoning anybody else.

If Hiring A Kayak, You Should Phone The Company And Ask If The Kayaks Are Open Or Closed.

This might be of utmost significance because more enormous individuals have difficulty fitting into closed kayaks. Sadly, the chances of a more prominent person being able to work in one of them are pretty low. If you are renting kayaks, you should make sure that this is not the case and that the hatches are open by giving the company a call. If they are closed, you will be required to find out the measurements. If they do not have any on hand, you should inquire about the kind of kayak so that you may search for similar options online. You can find just about any size of kayak imaginable on the internet. The only problematic older models are those.

You Are Going To Want Or Need To Request A Backrest For Yourself.

When you rent from many locations, you will not immediately be given one; instead, you will need to ask for them. Considering how beneficial they are, this makes no sense to me; they're almost indispensable. If you don't get one, I promise you, your back will start to pain in a short period. If you don't get one, I promise you you'll have a hard time after about 10 minutes. Don't miss out on this opportunity. Rowing is a strenuous activity that can put a strain on your back.

Avoid Going Near The Shore In Areas Where There Is Even The Slightest Possibility Of Waves 

This may be obvious, but I certainly didn't see it coming. If you fall off, it will be VERY DIFFICULT for you to get back up again. It is a highly awkward situation when more than one person is involved, and I don't want to go through it again since I've already been there and done that. You could do it in the ocean, where there is shelter and some quiet sections, but a lake is your best chance for a safe environment. This takes me to the point I was going to make next.

Keep An Eye Out For Any Passing Vessels

As I mentioned, it is pretty challenging for a person of greater size to re-enter their kayak once they have exited it. Because many of us have a more excellent center of gravity, it is much simpler to fall over than for someone else. When most individuals go over, it's not a huge issue, but it may be frustrating for a more prominent person who has to walk to the beach to get back in.

If You Are Required To Deal With Passing Boats, Make Sure You Are Aware Of How To Do So.

This is of the utmost importance because, as I have previously mentioned, it is so simple for a more prominent person to fall off, and it is tough to get back up.

In The Video Below, He Shows How Kayaking While Being Towed By A Boat Can Be Extremely Challenging.

Think About Getting A  Canoe Instead 

Canoeing, rather than kayaking, will probably be a more enjoyable experience for someone of your size, although you could believe otherwise.

You'll have more space and won't have to worry much about maintaining balance and or losing control of your vessel (which sucks). You won't have to stress about entering or exiting the building, which is a considerable burden to avoid and is pretty hard to do. Additionally, even though the power isn't as great, I find them easy to use (I've used them long).

It is also possible to purchase stabilizers for canoes, and the degree to which they can keep you standing is entirely out of this world. You won't have to be concerned about maintaining your balance nearly as much with them, making riding much more enjoyable and less stressful if you're starting.

Canoeing is something you should consider doing, at the very least. If you are going to rent one, it is in your best interest to ask to test it out first since you will probably end up liking it more. In addition, you may transport other people's belongings with them, and more than one person can ride on each one. The advantages are virtually limitless, haha. If you choose to canoe instead

Don't Count On Being Able To Travel With A Companion If There Are Two Of You -

It's possible that what I'm about to say next contradicts what I just stated, but the truth is that it all relies on the rider.

I went to the lake with my girlfriend and father a few years ago, when I didn't have the excellent balance I have now. Use a single boat and kayak alone.

But in any case, given that my equilibrium was so off. The canoe eventually capsized, throwing my father and me out of it. To our good fortune, we worked out that if I sat at the canoe's bottom, it would no longer be feasible for it to tip over; yet, the situation was still awkward at the moment.

The fact that my partner, who is also of a larger stature, was able to ride with him was a relief to me. They were successful as a team. This indicates that some more prominent people do not yet have a perfect sense of balance, which is perfectly OK. You can still bike, but it is recommended that you do it alone rather than in a group.

This Is A Habit That May Quickly Become Addicting For More Considerable Persons —

If you're concerned that you won't enjoy yourself if you go, then perhaps you shouldn't. Alternatively, if you're concerned that folks of a more significant size would not like undertaking this activity, you shouldn't worry. Everything is going to turn out OK. Not only that, but I'm having a good time with this. Going outside and engaging in physical activities is something I like, even though I am a bigger person. Believe me when I say we struggle with many outside activities that require physical exertion. You WILL have a good time engaging in this activity.

You Won't Put Yourself Under An Excessive Amount Of Strain By doing this -

Since you asked, my initial concern was that I would reach the halfway point and be forced to either give up or backtrack, but in all honesty, it's not that difficult. It's a relaxed atmosphere. I realized how challenging this task wasn't until I weighed more than 500 pounds. At 380 pounds, it's a piece of cake, so if you're my size or less, I can guarantee you'll have fun with it. And it does help you lose weight as well!

Consider A Kayak You Can Paddle

You can cycle, paddle, or do both with them (which is the best way).

These are RIDICULOUS AMOUNTS OF FUN, and if you're anything like me and want to relax, they'll make it much simpler for you. Kayaking is a great pastime, but after paddling for a while and exercising your arms and back, you will want to stop and stretch your muscles. Pedaling using your legs rather than your arms is a MUCH simpler option. I have not yet been able to purchase one, but I had the opportunity to test one out, and as a result, I have added purchasing one to my list of things to do in the future.

If your phone about and ask around wherever you're going, I'm sure you'll find a business that can rent you one of them. Many locations offer this service, and please give some thought to them.

One of the disadvantages of this, which I feel obligated to point out, is that they do not have nearly as much space as a canoe does. Therefore, you will not be as steady. They are also challenging to get into and out of, similar to a kayak. However, if none of those factors worry you, then this is an excellent choice for you to consider.

However, in all seriousness, these items are fantastic.

An Unexpectedly Large Number Of Calories Can Be Burned When You Go Kayaking.

I did a web search and found a lot of websites that said it burns anywhere from 300 to 500 calories. I'm sure this depends on how fast you're going and how hard you're working, but I thought that was pretty cool nonetheless. It's excellent when activities that don't feel like strenuous workouts can help you burn calories.

Reserving The Items You Require 

When you call to rent something, you may find that the place you call only has a few options for larger groups. Don't let yourself become dissatisfied! Not only should you call ahead of time, but you should also make sure to ask how many items they currently have in stock. And if you can reserve them for a specific time/date.

Bonus! To Get In And Out Of A Kayak In Deep Water, If You Are Larger, There Is A Trick That You Can Do 

Although I haven't been able to do it myself, I have witnessed other prominent people being successful in the past, so I know that it is possible. The video below explains it very well. Keep an eye out for updates! But if you manage to topple over, keep your cool and don't panic. It's not a problem; you only need to swim to the shore and then get back in the water.

Conclusion

I hope that any of these pointers have not dissuaded you from paddling a kayak in the future.
One of the most enjoyable and soothing activities available is paddling around in a kayak. I'd be heartbroken to learn someone has never had the opportunity to paddle a kayak on their own, which is a tremendous amount of fun.
Though, there will be some individuals who cannot ride them. And it is absolutely, positively OK with me. Canoes are an excellent option for those who are too large to paddle a kayak and are equally as entertaining.
Keep in mind that having fun is essential to accomplish out there!! Once again, many thanks for reading!!!!
In addition, I highly recommend that you read the remainder of this site if you are interested. The goal is to create a community for those struggling with the challenges of being overweight or obese kayaking.