Kayaks are not cars. They don’t ride on four relatively small tires. So therefore, heavier kayaks, in general, float lower in the water (push through more water) and are therefore slower than a lighter kayak of the same design. Think about the same car with skinny vs. fat tires on it or road bicycle tires vs. mountain bike tires.
Let’s put this myth to rest once and for all.
Heavier kayaks will cost you more energy to get up-to-speed and they will not have greater glide than a lighter kayak, all other things equal.
…and the corollary question that I often hear, “Are longer kayaks slower due to greater wetted surface area?“
No. In general, longer kayaks are faster because they float higher and are narrower. Watch the video below for more:
Please consider making a donation to help restart West Side Boat Shop.
Getting this business back up and running has been a labor of love and has not yet hit the break even point. I’m still hoping to get some donations to help speed up some innovations we have planned for these awesome racing kayak designs.
Now accepting orders for the Fall 2022 production run. There is still time to have a custom West Side Boat Shop kayak before the end of the year.
Dave The Kayaker | Kayaking & Outdoor Adventures | Health & Fitness 