Which Kayaks Are the Fastest?

Although your paddling style and strength levels will have a big impact on how fast you can travel in your kayak, the design of the kayak itself will also determine your speed on the water.

Which Kayaks Are the Fastest?

You should first think about the hull design of your kayak if you prize speed on the water. A rounded hull is arguably one of the best options for those looking to maintain fast speeds. This is because a rounded hull profile means you will experience less water resistance and drag when paddling.

Rounded hulls also usually make for a more stable yak that is easy to manoeuvre, which allows you to maintain fast speeds once you attain them. A v-shaped hull is even better for those looking to push kayaking speed. The V-shaped profile efficiently cuts through the water, allowing you to achieve optimal speeds.

You should also consider the overall length of your kayak. Longer kayaks are almost always the faster option. A thinner hull will also improve your travelling speeds as there is less surface area for water to make contact with. This results in less friction and drag. However, thinner kayaks mean a tighter cockpit. This is fine for racing, but if you want to fish from your yak, these tighter dimensions may be too restrictive.