PaddleSizer

Kayaks and paddle boards, sized by the numbers

What size board. What weight rating. What paddle. Answered.

Enter your weight and height and get the paddle board volume, the kayak capacity under the 70 percent rule, the paddle length and the life jacket size. Then see the gear that actually fits those numbers.

Size a paddle board Size a kayak

9calculators
8size charts
6complete setups

Start with a calculator

Paddle board size calculator

Enter your weight, height, skill and how you will paddle. Get the board volume in litres, the width and length to shop for, and the rated capacity to look for.

Kayak weight capacity calculator

Add up paddler, passenger and day gear, then apply the 70 percent performance rule to find the rated capacity your recreational kayak needs.

Kayak size calculator

Pick the kayak length and style that fits your height, weight and water. Legroom, stability and tracking all change with length.

Kayak paddle length calculator

Kayak paddle length depends on boat width first and your height second. Add seat height for raised sit-on-top seats and choose low or high angle.

SUP paddle length calculator

A stand up paddle should be 8 to 10 inches taller than you for all-round paddling. Touring, surf and board thickness shift that number.

Life jacket (PFD) size calculator

Children size by weight into USCG classes, adults size by chest. Enter the paddler and get the class, the size and the fit check.

Roof rack load calculator

Add up kayaks or boards, the carriers and the crossbars, then check the total against your car's dynamic roof load and the rack rating.

Inflation PSI and pump time calculator

How many pump strokes and minutes it takes to inflate a paddle board or drop-stitch kayak floor to its target PSI, and how much the pressure climbs in hot sun.

Kid or toddler passenger check

Before a child rides on your paddle board or in your kayak: check the combined load against the 70 percent rule, the life jacket class they need and whether they are ready for their own board.

Paddle board size for your weight

Boats and boards across the price range

From the best-selling inflatables to premium drop-stitch models. Prices at last check.

Complete setups, every item priced

Beginner kayak: $257.40

First season, lakes and slow rivers, no roof rack, storage in a closet.

Intermediate kayak: $592.99

Paddling most weekends, lakes plus mild rivers, wants gear that lasts several seasons.

Expert kayak: $2,082.25

Frequent paddlers covering distance on big lakes and coasts who need to store the boat indoors.

Beginner paddle board: $213.96

First board, calm lakes, riders up to about 220 lb.

Intermediate paddle board: $786.29

Out most weekends, longer paddles, wants a stiffer board that tracks straighter.

Expert paddle board: $1,431.28

Experienced paddlers, bigger riders who want a stiff wide board, and anyone paddling several times a week.

Gear picks

Size charts

Guides

On the water: wear a properly fitted, USCG-approved life jacket every time, dress for the water temperature, and check local regulations. Everything here is researched guidance, not professional advice.