To wonder about fat people kayaking?

[SpeedbirdSquawker]

I am fat and thinking of going kayaking. Am I mad? Will I fit in the kayak?

How fat? I’m a size 20 and I’ve been. Also depends how deep the water is as getting back in is tricky if you fall out. I managed to get back in from the bank. It’s been good fun but I have only been in the summer when I can swim if I fall out!

Depends how fat. Kayaks come in different sizes, with variables like the size of the cockpit area. You are going to need to be able to get out quickly if you capsize.

Would you consuder sit on top kayak, paddleboard or canoe?

There’s different levels of fat, are you like a big man? If so you’ll probably be fine. But if you’re 600lb Tammy Slaton probably not.

Its more about wetsuit sizing and the protective gear fitting

Nothing like that ever fitted me when I was at my biggest

I'm a size 26. I think it'll be a great sport if only I can fit in a kayak.

I would consider a sit on top one.

I'm not agile at the best of times so can't see myself being able to get back in if I fall out.

Great sport for your wellbeing, well worth figuring out what would work for you. Fairly gentle cardio, bit of resistance, outside in fresh air, perfect.

Hmm I’m an 18 and I struggle a bit with kayaking. Canadian type canoe much easier. Depends if you can sit with your legs straight out in front of you for an extended period with little back support. I find that tough as my core isn’t great. Have done it though - just found it uncomfortable. I have a blue sixty wetsuit as I swim a lot and they come in a great range of big sizes.

I kayak regularly and don't use a wetsuit. I have loads if thermals and layer them up as necessary, waterproof on top, you're good. You need a buoyancy aid suitable for your weight though.

Do you have a local place where you could give it a go with an instructor or trusted friend? When I did it in Scotland I phoned them and asked about my size/weight and they were very supportive. I’ve done it just for fun with a friend too but yes getting back in was difficult, so recommend only in summer when wetsuit not necessarily needed.

I’m a similar size and wouldn’t risk it… so kudos for you for thinking about this.

The sit on ones however might be perfect.

(Speaking as someone who has been wedged in a petrol go kart and needed help to get out)

Genuinely no idea, but boatyards round here offer canoes which are open, more stable, and you just wear normal clothes. They recommend them for beginners and you can take kids along in them. Might be an easier place to start.

Just to reiterate, I have kayaked right through the winter, only stopped when there was thick ice, never used a wetsuit, just loads of layers and a waterproof on top.

I was a size 16/18 and tried it on a Youth club PGL trip (my group insisted I join them)
I struggled to fasten the largest life jacket they had and couldn't really move my arms properly and realised about two strokes out that I wouldn't be able to get out easily if I capsized. Took me ages to get out when i got back because I couldn't push myself up.
Just make sure you've got a big enough kayak and a big enough life jacket.

Even at a size 26 you are probably smaller than a 6 ft plus, well built man. I'm size 22 and have done a fair bit of kayaking. I can't scramble back into a kayak, but I can support myself in the water and swim towing a kayak. I would suggest finding an organisation who does kayaking locally and give them a phone to discuss. If you can tell us where you live we may be able to offer suggestions. I can suggest for South East Scotland.

I don't know if I would. They're quite wobbly boats and tricky to get in and out of. I've fallen in the river myself.

What about a canoe?

That ain't no kyak, that's my reflection!

Yes you can at a club that has the right gear. A sit on top would probably be easiest but a canoe would also be a good option.

You can wear sports leggings and a top that dries out easily, like a base layer, a thin waterproof jacket to keep the wind/rain off you and a life jacket over the top..

It is a great sport, but there are a few other things to think through. Are you going to be able to drag it to the water then haul it back out at the end? Getting in and out of one is life trying to sit down on a wobbly floor. You might have better luck trying from a beach on a lake where you can wade in to your knees then climb in rather than trying to step down from a bank. I agree that I think you'll find paddleboarding easier and possibly more comfortable

How co-ordinated are you? My dc go kayaking a lot but I'm a bit smaller than you and too scared to have a go so well done for even considering it. I would be most worried about getting in the kayak, especially after falling in. You might find it quite uncomfortable sitting in the kayak with your legs straight out in front of you but you could sit with your legs kind of on either side of the kayak. I've seen bigger people do that and they said it was more comfortable that way.

I’m a kayaker.

Boats come in different volumes so you’ll need a high volume boat. So it’ll depend on if the club you go to has a boat that’s high enough volume.

There was a large guy down our club and his boat was very low in the water. A bit of wash from over boats and water went in the cockpit.

This. You don’t need a wetsuit. Never ever worn one.

I kayaked throughout many a winter (had ice in my hair!) you just need thermals and gym leggings, spray deck and cag if it’s particularly cold.

For kit, Lomo are excellent for plus size stuff and not too pricey.

I'm a similar size to you. Although I can kayak (in the right kayak) canoeing is definitely preferable! Wetsuits are soul destroying and unnecessary

I am fat and have a kayak lesson booked for 7 weeks time-now on a VERY strict diet