A kayak is small, compact, narrow low to the water boat like a canoe or watercraft made from lightweight materials and has a small opening in the top for seating a passenger. Mainly used for recreation and sports.
In a kayak, the paddler sits facing forward by putting the legs in front and uses a double-bladed paddle by pulling on the water on alternate sides(front to back and one side and another).
There are many types of kayaks available out there and they are solo kayaks(aka one-person kayak), tandem kayak (two-person kayak), family kayak(accommodate more than two people) & kids kayak(used by kids) etc.
Among these sit-on-top kayaks, Canadian canoes, touring kayaks, sea kayaks, white water kayaks, inflatable kayaks are the most popular types that are used today.
Over the years kayaks have been used for several purposes which include sport, hunt, travel, tourism, military operations etc. It is believed that kayaks have been used since 4000 BC. The word kayak came from the Greenlandic word “qajaq”.
Early kayaks were made of natural materials like wood, whale bones, waterproof skins of different animals.
Since 1936 kayaking has been included in the Summer Olympic Games. Two types of kayaking competitors slalom and sprint events are taking place. Usually, a kayak travels 3 to 5 mph and some competing kayaks travel faster speeds.
How Much Does A Kayak Weigh?
Kayaks weight varies depending on shapes, size, using purpose etc. Generally longer and larger kayaks are heavier. These kayaks are usually made from polyethylene and composite materials. Inflatable and foldable kayaks due to their lightweight materials have the lightest weights.
You can get the most popular types of kayaks within 20 pounds to 80 pounds or 9 kg to 36 kg weight range. However, some kayaks weigh over 80 pounds and can reach 100 pounds or 45 kg mark.
Example Of Different Types Of Kayaks By Models
| Kayak Model | Kayak Type | Weight |
| Intex Challenger K1 | Inflatable | 24 lbs (11 kg) |
| Oru Beach Lt | Folding | 26 lbs (12 kg) |
| Oru Bay ST | Folding | 28 lbs (13 kg) |
| Intex Explorer K2 | Inflatable | 31 lbs (14 kg) |
| Intex Challenger K2 | Inflatable | 27.5 lbs (12.4 kg) |
| Oru Coast XT | Folding | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) |
| Intex Excursion Pro K2 | Inflatable | 39.01 lbs (17.69 kg) |
| Sun Dolphin Excursion | Sit-In Polyethylene | 44 lbs (20 kg) |
| Sun Dolphin Journey | Sit on Top Polyethylene | 44 lbs (20 kg) |
| Perception Hi Life 11 | Sit on Top Polyethylene | 55 lbs (25 kg) |
| Pelican Challenger 130T | Tandem | 70 lbs (32 kg) |
| Old Town Predator MX | Polyethylene | 82 lbs (37 kg) |
| Old Town Predator PDL | Composite | 124 lbs (56 kg) |
Example Of Six Types Of Kayaks Weight Capacity
| Kayak Types | Average Weight Of Kayaks | Weight Capacity Total | Who It Matters? |
| Fishing Kayak | 35-120 pounds | 400-550 pounds | For those who want to catch fish like a pro |
| Recreational Kayak | 60-240 pounds | 200-450 pounds | For those who love occasional leisure time on calm rivers or lakes. |
| Inflatable Kayak | 20-50 pounds | 400-750 pounds | Perfect for those who have huge accessories and have no kayak trolly or cart. |
| General Kayaks (all types – single kayak and combined) | 30-50 pounds | 250-300 pounds | For any type of purpose. Anything heavier in this range will be difficult to manage. |
| Tandem Kayak | 50-75 pounds | 500-600 pounds | Perfect for those who want to kayak with partners. |
| Sea Kayak or Touring Kayak | 20-80 pounds | Up to 350 pounds or more | If you want to move your kayak faster in waves. |
Here Are A Few Examples Of How Much A Single Kayak Weighs:
Here Are A Few Examples Of How Much A Single Kayak Weighs:
- Perception Kayaks Prodigy XS –26 pounds (12kg)
- Field & Stream Kayaks Blade 80 – 35 pounds (16kg)
- Pelican Kayaks Trailblazer 100 NXT – 36 pounds (16kg)
- Perception Kayaks Tribute 10.0 – 36 pounds (16kg)
- Pelican Kayaks Mustang 100X – 39 pounds (17kg)
- Pelican Kayaks Bandit NXT 100 –40 pounds (18kg)
- Perception Kayaks Swifty 9.5 – 44 pounds (20kg)
- Field & Stream Kayaks Blade 9.7 – 45 pounds (20kg)
Examples Of How Much A Tandem Kayak Weighs:
- 57 pounds (26kg) – Ocean Kayaks Malibu Two Tandem
- 67 pounds (30kg) – Perception Kayaks Tribe Tandem – 13.5
- 70 pounds (32kg) – Sun Dolphin Kayaks Bali 13.5 SS Tandem
- 72 pounds (32kg) – Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 120T Tandem Ocean
- 73 pounds (33kg) – Pelican Kayaks Sentinel 130X Tandem
- 78 pounds (35kg) – Perception Kayaks Rambler Tandem – 13.5
- 84 pounds (38kg) – Lifetime Kayaks Emotion Spitfire 12T Tandem
Few Examples Of How Much Fishing Kayaks Weigh:
- 45 pounds (20kg) – Perception Kayaks Sound 10.5 Fishing
- 47 pounds (21kg) – Ocean Kayaks Caper Angler
- 55 pounds (25kg) – Pelican Kayaks Strike 120X Angler
- 60 pounds (27kg) – Field & Stream Kayaks 12′ Eagle Run
- 70 pounds (32kg) – Ocean Kayaks Trident 13 Angler
- 85 pounds (38kg) – Jackson Kayaks Cuda HD Fishing
- 103 pounds (46kg) – Hobie Kayaks Mirage Compass Fishing
- 129 pounds (58kg) – Hobie Kayaks Mirage Pro Angler 12
Few Examples Of How Much Inflatable Kayaks Weigh:
- 18 pounds (8.0kg) – Goplus Inflatable Kayak’s
- 26 pounds (12.0kg) – Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Kayak’s
- 26 pounds (12.0kg) – Advanced Elements SPORT Inflatable Kayak’s
- 27 pounds (12.5kg) – Driftsun Voyager 2-Person Inflatable Kayak’s
- 28 pounds (12.5kg) – Driftsun Rover 220 Inflatable Kayak’s
- 31 pounds (14.0kg) – Intex Explorer K2 Tandem Inflatable
- 39 pounds (17.5kg) – Intex Excursion Pro Inflatable Fishing Kayak’s
- 52 pounds (23.5kg) – Advanced Elements Convertible Tandem Inflatable Kayak’s
How Much Does A Kayak Cost?
Kayak’s price depends on their type. Below we have listed different types of kayaks with their average price list.
| Type of Kayak | Average Price |
| Inflatable Kayak | $70 |
| Beginner Kayak | $250 |
| Fishing Kayak | $300 |
| White Water Kayak | $1,095 |
| Touring Kayak | $1,925 |
How Much Does A Kayak Trailer Weigh?
Kayak trailers are used for hauling them. On average a kayak trailer weighs 200 pounds. The average weight of empty kayak trailers is 100 to 400 pounds when unloaded.
However, some kayak trailers can weigh anywhere from 200 pounds to 800 pounds depending on how many kayaks they can carry.
How Much Does A Kayak Trailer Cost?
A kayak trailer cost can vary for many reasons. You can get less expensive kayak trailers within one thousand dollars and some deluxe models can cost several thousands of bucks.
How Construction Affects Kayak Weight?
Due to making materials and other many variables, the weight of a kayak varies. Below we have described briefly what things impact a kayak’s weight.
Kayak Hulls: Kayak hulls provide impact on overall kayaks weight. Kayak hulls made from polythene materials are generally affordable and durable and composite materials like carbon fiber and kevlar make ultra-light kayak hulls but they are expensive too. PVC materials are lighter than polyethylene and heavier than composite materials.
They are mainly used for making lightweight kayaks like inflatable kayaks. Kayak hulls made from rotomolded materials (melted plastic pellets) are the heaviest kayaks to carry and paddle.
And kayaks hulls made from thermoforming (bottom and top parts) can be categorized as medium weigh kayaks. They are inexpensive and versatile.
Fun Facts:
>>History of kayaks is over 4000 years old!
>>Kayaks were first invented by the native Arctic North Americans(Greenland, Canada, Alaska) for hunting purposes who are often referred to as “Eskimos”.
>>The initial primitive kayaks were made from different animal skins and bones!
>>If a kayak is shorter then the speed will be slower and if a kayak is longer then the speed will be faster.
