When you’re getting a kayak, you need to consider its weight capacity, among other important factors. Yes, kayaks have their own weight capacity, and it can get a bit confusing trying to understand such limits, especially for beginners.
But what if you already have a kayak but it isn’t within your weight range? There may be ways on how to increase weight of kayak, then!
For those who are trying to keep their kayak functioning well despite the higher weight range, read on! I’ll show you how to increase your kayak’s weight capacity safely.
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About The Kayak Weight Capacity
Each kayak has its weight capacity, and you will need to weigh less than the suggested limit. Meaning, if a kayak has a 500-pound weight capacity, it won’t support someone who weighs 500 pounds. It can only take a little less than 500 pounds, including you and other belongings you bring.
It’s better that you weigh about 30% less than the kayak’s weight capacity to stay above the water level. This allows you to row your kayak safely without any issue or safety risk. Since you also need to bring gear and equipment, take account that weight as well, also leaving some room to avoid touching the weight limit.
This is important, especially since it will be difficult to maneuver your kayak when above weight limits and dealing with unpredictable waters.
If you want to learn more about kayaks and weight capacity, check out this informative video:
How to Increase Weight Capacity of Kayak
What if you have more gear and equipment than expected, making it a bit heavier than the kayak’s weight limit?
Unfortunately, you aren’t able to add anything to increase your kayak’s weight capacity. However, there are ways to help keep it more buoyant, allowing you to add a bit more weight and still have it stay afloat better.
Here are some things you can do when increasing your kayak’s weight capacity through improved buoyancy:
Paddle In the Right Waters
One of the only ways you can use your kayak with heavier weights is by paddling in the right waters. You should focus on kayaking in salt waters instead, staying away from freshwater. Why?
This is because saltwater offers more buoyancy, making it easier for it to stay afloat even with a bit of extra weight.
Besides learning where to kayak, you should also learn how to paddle properly. This will prevent more water from coming into the kayak, which causes it to sink! Row efficiently and brush up your skills, investing in lightweight and strong paddles for comfort and control.
Improve the Design
You can also consider improving your kayak’s hull design, so you have better performance with heavier loads.
One can also use airbags so the waters won’t let the hull float even higher in case of capsizing situations, making rescue and recovery easier. Some even fill their airbags with helium, which is said to give you a bit more wiggle room. Just make sure that you know the bags’ volume to know the weight difference between the water and helium for the optimum lift.
However, if you plan to redesign your kayak, it may make more sense of purchasing a new one that suits your weight capacity. It may be much cheaper and are less effort!
Try Investing In Equipment
There are different types of kayak gear you can invest in, such as float foams and outriggers. While these are helpful in buoyancy, they don’t increase the weight capacity. It only helps keep you from sinking.
This may be useful if you are only a few pounds overweight.
With all that in mind, it’s a bit difficult trying to stay afloat even after doing all these. That’s why you need to make sure you get the appropriate kayak meant for your weight, along with any gear you plan to bring.
If you are over the kayak’s weight limit, this makes it difficult to paddle, making you lose stability and maneuverability. This will have you capsize, something you do NOT want to happen. Don’t worry, there are kayaks available for people of all shapes and sizes, even those who are overweight and/or carry heavy gear!
Read More: How to Make a Kayak More Buoyant: Important Tips to Try
Wrapping It Up
When it comes to choosing a kayak, you have to consider its weight capacity to ensure that it can hold you well. Unfortunately, there is no surefire way to significantly increase the kayak’s weight capacity, though it’s possible to use it well despite being a few pounds heavier. You just have to invest in the right tools and create the proper setup to increase its buoyancy.
I hope that this article on how to increase the weight capacity of kayak educated you further. Start selecting the right kayak for you based on your size and weight now!
