If you’re a big guy who loves fishing, finding the right kayak can be a challenge. Kayaks that are too small or not designed for larger individuals can make for an uncomfortable and frustrating fishing experience. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you find the best fishing kayaks for big guys. In this post, we’ll be highlighting kayaks that are not only comfortable and spacious but also designed specifically to support the weight and size of larger individuals. So, whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner looking to get into the sport, keep reading to discover the top fishing kayaks that can accommodate big guys.
The problem with sit-in kayaks is that their cockpits usually are too small and narrow for big guys.
So, maybe what you should be looking for are sit-on-top and inflatable kayaks. We’ll look at the two types in a few seconds.
But why should you even bother kayaking when you are big?
Well, kayaking is an exercise just as much as it is a recreational activity. You can lose weight, strengthen the core, and work on your upper through regular kayaking.
What’s more, kayaking is therapeutic to your mental health. Simply put, you can reduce or avoid mental stress if you kayak more often.
In a hurry, here are my recommended heavy duty kayaks for you.
4 Best Kayaks for Big Guys
1. Driftsun Almanor Inflatable Recreational Kayak
2. Elkton Outdoors Steelhead Inflatable Kayak
3. Oru Foldable Kayak
4. Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayak
Types of Kayaks for Big Guys
Below are the two broad categories, as highlighted earlier on:
Sit-On-Top Kayaks
Here, instead of sitting inside the kayak’s cockpit as you do in a sit-in kayak, you sit on top of it. So, upon sitting, your legs will be in front of you.
Generally, sit-on-top kayaks allow you to get in and out quickly, thus the best choice for big guys.
They provide you with ample room to move, and as a result, it becomes easier and more comfortable to paddle such water vessels.
Sit-on-top kayaks exist in the following subcategories:
Recreational Kayaks
Recreational kayaks come with broader beams to provide you with excellent stability. That makes them great for big and heavyweight guys.
These kayaks are also highly maneuverable, hence great for beginner kayakers.
Usually, recreational kayaks don’t come with many inbuilt accessories. As a result, they are only suitable for short water explorations.
Fishing Kayaks
Unlike recreational kayaks, fishing kayaks come with so many inbuilt accessories such as rod holders, tank wells, fish-finder mounts, and kayak anchors. That means they are perfect for fishing exploits.
These kayaks are, however, likely to be slightly costlier because of the accessories.
Tandem Kayaks
Though kayaking is fun for most big guys, it can get unexciting if you do it alone repeatedly. So, it could be a good idea to get an option that accommodates two or more kayakers.
Such options are called tandem kayaks, and they are mostly sit-on-top types. So, if you prefer to kayak for enjoyment, especially with a partner, a sibling, or a friend, this is the best kayak for heavy person to buy.
Inflatable Kayaks
Inflatable Kayaks are other straightforward water vessels. They are air-inflated to stay afloat on water. Despite their lightweight, these kayaks come with higher carrying capacity, thus suitable for weighty guys.
They also deflate easily, which makes their storage and portability effortless. Like sit-on-top kayaks, these water vessels are an excellent pick for beginners. They mostly come in tandem designs.
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4 Best Kayaks for Big Guys Reviewed
Here are the vessels to consider:
1. Driftsun Almanor Inflatable Recreational Kayak
The Driftsun Almanor Inflatable Recreational Kayak embodies comfort, style, and water safety. It features a lawn-like meshed seat with two-level adjustments to give you the ultimate seat comfort.
The big guy kayak comes in a lightweight one-piece construction to improve your buoyancy and overall paddling safety. The water vessel has ample front storage for all your fishing gears.
There are several built-in accessories like rod holders, fish finders, and anchors that come handy when fishing.
2. Elkton Outdoors Steelhead Inflatable Kayak
Have you been searching for not only a big-sized but also a tall kayak? Then check out the Elkton Outdoors Steelhead Inflatable Kayak.
It’s 13 feet long and comes with a 550lb carry capacity. This kayak is a one-person fishing vessel, which means you’ll have extra storage if you weigh less than 350 pounds.
There is a pre-fitted toe control system that saves you energy when paddling during strong winds.
The big man fishing kayak comes with a dual position seat for superior all-day comfort and an array of built-in fishing accessories.
3. Oru Foldable Kayak
If you are looking for a one-person recreational kayak for beginners, the Oru Foldable Kayak is the best today.
The water vessel has a long central keel that keeps you straight when paddling. So, it’s very stable.
The kayak for large person features a comfortable four-way adjustable seat that gives you all-day comfort. It comes with side paddle holders, molded-in holders, and an easy release pull tub.
The water vessel is about 11’6” long, thus great for big, tall kayakers.
4. Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayak
If you are looking for a large capacity inflatable kayak that’s perfect for both newbies and experienced kayakers, consider this option by Advanced Elements.
The Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayak has a 750lbs load capacity and comes with two high-back seats. So, you can comfortably paddle with a friend.
The kayak for large man is made of sturdy, high-pressure 1000D polyester that offers decent resistance against puncture. It comes with a foot pump, two 8-inch paddles, and a repair kit.
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Buying Considerations for Kayaks for Big Guys – The Buying Guide
Consider the following when shopping for a big guy kayak:
Carry Capacity
The kayak’s carry capacity dictates the maximum load the vessel can carry. So, it’s not just about the weight of the user(s) but also that of the gears.
Most kayaks for big guys hold 375 pounds and above and so it’s vital to go for a large-capacity option. I have indicated weight capacities on all the five kayaks that I have reviewed.
Kayak Size
Since you are huge, you have to consider a spacious kayak. Its length should be long enough, about 11 feet, if you want to kayak with a friend.
Its width is also another area of importance. Given that you are big, you need more room to maneuver. So, consider an option that is about 30 inches wide.
Remember also that a spacious big man kayak also means more storage room. So, consider that.
Seating Comfort
You can only enjoy kayaking if you are comfortable. One thing to look at is the seat’s adjustability. The chair should be flexible to allow you to sit at whichever angle you prefer.
You also need to look at the seat’s padding and cockpit width. It should be generously-padded and with a broader cockpit.
Material Quality
Kayaks for big users don’t come cheap. For this reason, you should invest in an option that shall serve you longer.
One way to ensure you do so is by picking quality materials for the water vessel.
Most kayaks feature 1000D vinyl and high-density polyethylene. So, consider the materials because of their superior strength.
Accessibility
When you are big, you don’t have the body flexibility that lean guys have. Therefore, you need a high weight capacity kayak that you can get into and out quickly.
User Safety
The worst experience you can experience as a big kayaker is your vessel capsizing. Though it can be due to many factors, it’s mostly a case of overloading the kayak and picking a small beam.
So, ensure you pick the right carry capacity, and the vessel should have a beam that’s about 30 inches.
FAQs about Big Guys Kayaks
1. Can Big People Kayak?
Yes, big people can kayak. It all depends on the kayaks weight capacity. Provided you can find a kayak whose weight capacity is not close to what you weigh; then you can kayak.
Remember also to consider the weight of your gear so that you don’t overload the water vessel.
2. What Is The Best Kayak For A Big Person?
Well, the best kayak for a big person should be spacious, comfortable, accessible, and safe.
What’s more, it should be of high construction and should come with ideal capacity. That also applies to the best kayak for tall man.
In that aspect, here are my top 4 recommendations:
- Driftsun Almanor Inflatable Recreational Kayak
- Elkton Outdoors Steelhead Inflatable Kayak
- Oru Foldable Kayak
- Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayak
3. Where On A Kayak Should The Heaviest Person Sit?
Like most water vessels, kayaks ride well when the load is uniformly distributed. So, if there is a weightier guy, then he or she should sit on the back.
What you should avoid overall is to overload the boat’s front. Try to concentrate the weight on the stern instead.
4. Are There Weight Limits For Kayaks?
Yes, most kayaks for tall guys and big people have weight limits. The manufacturer expects you not to exceed the limit.
For example, most touring and recreational kayaks have a 200-450lb carry capacity while that of most fishing kayaks is about 400-500+ lbs.
As for tandems, they have 450-700 lbs carry capacity, which is more than the others. That’s because of their ability to accommodate two or more kayakers.
5. What Happens If I Overload My Kayak?
Overloading your kayak may make it sink lower, and it could eventually capsize for being unstable. If that happens, then it may harm you and other kayakers.
You may also lose your kayaking gears and other essentials in the water.
Additional Resources
Want to see additional posts about beach and water stuff? Check out the 3 posts below as you may be interested in them:
Conclusion
In general, it takes extensive research to find the best kayaks for big guys. Luckily for you, you don’t have to research as I have taken care of it.
Accordingly, go ahead and pick any of the products that I recommend depending on your weight.
