The average kayak can attain to a speed of about 2.5 knots or 3.5 miles per hour. Of course, the top speed that you can reach on a kayak will depend on a number of factors. One of these will be the type of kayak that you are using. Another will be the precise length and width of the kayak.
In most cases, you should be able to kayak about the distance of a mile in a time of 25 to 30 minutes. Depending on your level of physical fitness, you can keep up this pace for a good few hours. This would be about the best you can expect in an average plastic kayak that measures 12 feet long and 30 inches wide.
If you are brand new to the pastime, you shouldn’t expect to be able to move quite at this brisk level of speed. A newbie will reasonably maintain a pace of about 2 to 2.5 knots or up to about 1.5 to 2 miles per hour. This is still a pretty good speed to maintain in a craft that you are just now getting used to.
After you have practiced for quite a bit, your paddling speed should be able to increase by quite a wide margin. A person who has built up their paddling arm, along with their levels of speed and endurance, may be able to hit a maximum speed of about 5 miles per hour. But it will be a while before you get there.
Are Longer Kayaks Faster?
In most cases, the longer the kayak you are using, the faster it will be. The long touring style kayak will generally be the fastest type there is. It usually has a beam of less than 22 inches wide, set off by a hull that is shaped very roundly. In flat water, you can reach an amazing rate of speed in a very short amount of time.
The speed you can reach will depend on what type of kayak you are using. As noted above, touring kayaks are the fastest. Fishing kayaks and long bodied recreational kayaks can also sprint very quickly through the water. Kayaks made of fiberglass or carbon fiber tend to be the fastest due to their high level of rigidity.
A kayak that you can sit down in will tend to be faster than one that you have to sit on top of. This is due to the fact that kayaks that you have to sit on top of will face more wind resistance. Sitting on top of the kayak lowers your total center of gravity. For best speed results, you should definitely sit inside of your kayak.
The less rigid and more flexible your kayak is, the slower it will be. If speed is an attraction for you, you are definitely going to want to choose a heavier model. You will also want to choose one that you can paddle yourself. This will help you build up the stamina and general level of physical fitness that you need for this activity.
Is A Canoe Faster Than A Kayak?
A canoe is generally much bulkier and heavier than a kayak. As a result, it’s usually a bit slower. Depending on the person who is paddling, the average canoe can reach about 2.5 to 3 miles per hour. This is, on paper, the same general speed as that of a kayak. However, the top speed can’t quite be kept up as long as it can be in a kayak.
For this reason, most experts tend to think of canoes as a bit slower. Their design is bulkier and they are built to very different specs than a kayak. You have to sit all the way down in a canoe and paddle with a slightly different, more cumbersome pace. As a result, the rhythm and feel of a canoe is one that is opposite to that of a kayak.
Paddling a kayak will take less effort than to paddle a canoe. Canoes are generally built more as leisurely touring craft. It’s much harder to race in a canoe than it is in a kayak because this type of boat just isn’t made with such considerations in mind. Canoes are much easier to relax and gently float along in than a kayak will be.
It is true that, just as with a kayak, a slightly longer and heavier canoe will go a bit faster. However, even if the top speed can match a kayak for a very short time, it will ultimately be left behind in the water. This is fine with the majority of canoe users who generally prefer to relax and enjoy the experience at their own pace.
Are Inflatable Kayaks Slower?
Inflatable kayaks are much slower than rigid models. This is because an inflatable model floats to a higher degree on the surface of the water. This also means that won’t steer, track, or glide as easily as a rigid kayak. If you’re looking for a fast moving craft, you should definitely choose a rigid kayak over an inflatable model.
The general point of appeal for an inflatable kayak is their portability. They tend to take up much less space in your home or garage. This is, of course, because they can be deflated down to a much more manageable size when not in use. When you are ready to get back on the water, you just pump it up. It’s very handy for impromptu jaunts.
Inflatable kayaks do tend to cost a bit less than the average heavy and rigid model. This is one of the main points of appeal. However, due to their lightweight size and less rigid construction, they don’t tend to last anywhere near as long.
If you’re looking to break the kayak speed record, you will definitely want to invest in a large sized rigid kayak made of carbon fiber or fiberglass.