Kayaking ... a Sport for Fat Ladies

For all you plus size women out there that are sick of looking at the bikini-clad girls on the beach swatting the volleyball, and you chunky girls who can't keep up with the trim chics jogging, the cyclists whizzing by, the yoga freaks bending, the pilate divas focus on their "core," ... finally there is a low-impact sport that does not involve walking. Walking? Why is that always our exercise of choice? Probably because too much would "jiggle" uncontrollably if we tried anything more physically stressful.  I like a good walk just as much as the next girl, but it does get boring.  I get tired of seeing the same things.

Kayaking is something a fat lady can do.... as long as you can fit in the kayak. Let's start by understanding that I'm referring to "flat water" kayaking, not sea kayaking or white-water kayaking. There are plenty of kayaks out there with open or very wide pilot areas that are safe and easy to maneuver on flat water.  Kayaking gives you a great upper-body workout with the benefit of actually getting to see something, and it can be different every time.  When you get tired, just coast for awhile.

I have a mango colored Heritage Featherlite kayak with padded seat, storage in front and back and a removable drainage plug. It has an open pilot area (big girls can fit) and storage capacity for a bag to carry a camera, a journal, hat, sunglasses, gloves, water .... and SNACKS!  These kayaks are ideal for all day trips and light enough for the average healthy woman to easily load on the car top - we use the Yakima J-Racks which fit nicely on our Subaru Forester.


The kayak is about 50 lbs.  I also throw the "Skinny Minny" Step Stool  (really, this isn't a joke - that's what it's called) in the back of the Forester with my paddle, carrying bag and lifejacket.  With the assistance of the step-stool I can load and unload the kayak by myself and go wherever I want, whenever I want.

There's something liberating about having your own watercraft and the freedom to paddle around and see the sites not accessible to any of the skinny girls jogging on the road.  I've seen otter, bald eagles, wild ponies (Assateague National Seashore), scads of waterfowl, terrapins and some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Mid and North Atlantic region.  My favorite kayaking jaunt is still the Great Pocomoke River in Worcester / Somerset Counties on Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore.  The swamps, bald cypress trees, wildlife and untouched landscape is to die for.  I recommend Dividing Creek and Corkers Creek - both off the Pocomoke.  Second best kayaking spot?... Stonington Maine on Deer Isle, one of the largest archipelagos in the North Atlantic. I paddled the trail from Stonington to McGlathery Island.

On the Chesapeake I've kayaked the Nassawango Creek, Barren Creek, Blackwater Wildlife Refuge, The Upper Choptank, Marshy Hope Creek, Tuckahoe River,  The Big and Little Annemessex Rivers, Ape's Hole Creek, Jenkins Creek, Tred Avon River, Fishing Bay, Manokin River, Sinepuxent Bay, Chincoteague Bay, Tom's Cove, the Wicomico and Nanticoke Rivers.  I'm anxious to try the water trail in Talbot County, Maryland  near Tilghman Island that weaves through Back Creek and Eastern Bay.   I'd also like to explore some trails in the northern part of the Bay region and Delaware.

Suggestions are welcome.

Here's a good guide for exploring Maryland's water trails.

A FEW TIPS FOR BEGINNERS:
  1. Do not go alone until you've gone with someone else several times and mastered the art of paddling in a strong current, turning and stopping.  These are easy skills to pick up, but vital in an emergency.  
  2. Pick a lake or creek for your first few trips.  Paddling will be easy and your skills will develop quicker. Strong currents can be daunting.
  3. Be sure to tell someone (not on the trip) where you intend to kayak and what time you expect to be back.
  4. Wear you life jacket.
  5. Take a camera.  I store mine in a zip lock bag stashed in a canvas bag behind the pilot area until I'm ready to use it. This keeps the moisture off.
  6. Don't go out in extreme heat.  Save that for when you're a pro ... same with cold temps below 40 degrees.
  7. Take a journal or digital recorder.  Write down what you see, how the landscape looks, what the surroundings cause you to think about.  This makes for great reading later.
  8. Take a cell phone.  I've ruined or damaged two cell phones kayaking, but I'd still never be out on the water without one.  Have the phone number for the local marine authority already plugged into the phone, in case you need assistance. A cell phone is a crucial tool if you experience any difficulty while kayaking.
  9. Take a compass and chart (map) of the region.  It's easy to lose your bearings, especially in flat water regions.  NEVER follow the shore line as a guide.  Shorelines twist and turn.  Keep your chart handy so you know where you're going and how to return.
  10. Consider your launch spot .... it's usually easy to get in your kayak and scoot INTO the water.  But consider how you're going to get OUT of the water.  Launching at a marsh edge can be easy .. but try to get that kayak up against the same edge and then get out of the kayak without having to get in the water... you may not even know the depth.  When beginning, you may want to choose a paved boat ramp.
Happy kayaking my chubby friends!  Please let me know about the fun you have. Here are a few kayak pics from my collection.
A great blue heron landing on a loblolly pine tree.  Monie Creek.  Somerset County, MD.  This creek is very near my home and quite secluded.  Wildlife abounds and the water is almost always flat and serene. 



Kayaking with the Eastern Shore TADD (Tourism, Arts, and Downtown Development) group on the Choptank River in Cambridge.  The Choptank is a beautiful river with several protected launch sites.  Cambridge is a great town to spend a day.

 
Sunrise paddle on Passamaquoddy Bay near Eastport, Maine.  Our campsite overlooked this area.  We launched a few feet from from our camper.  The water in this region is famous for the undercurrents and whirlpools.  Dan and I both got sucked into one and were nearly carried to Cananda before we got out of it.  That was a looooong paddle back to the campsite.  After that, we stowed our kayaks for the rest of the trip.



Deer Isle Harbor near Stonington, Maine.  This water was a little rough, but beautiful scenery throughout the archipelago.  I got the sh#t scared out of me when a seal popped up out of the water just behind me, splashed, dove and swam under the kayak only to rise and splash me in the face when he surfaced.


Still one of my all time favorites - Assateague National Seashore where the wild ponies roam the beaches.  This photo was taken on the Virginia side.  There's a great little sheltered cove for paddlers (Tom's Cove).  Just over the dunes is the roaring Atlantic.  You can hear the waves crashing, as you paddle in serene shelter of the cove on flat water. The ponies are almost always visible from this cove.

Comments

  1. Great post. My husband kayaks, but I'm too chicken. I can't swim, so kayaking might be out of my league.

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    1. If you wear a life jacket, Dona you should be fine. It's such an enjoyable outdoor activity. Thanks for your comment. I hope you'll give it a try some day.

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  2. Anonymous3:06 AM

    I came across your page while looking for a kayak with a wide enough cockpit for my big rump. I will have to look into the Heritage featherlite. I currently use an inflatable kayak and hit the rivers, but they require a bit more paddling when trying to keep up with the reg kayakers. Whitewater/rivers is what I enjoy the most and think this may work for me. Thanks for your input. Sandie

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    1. Thanks for stopping by the blog, Sandie. I have good friends who have the inflatable kayaks. I always envy them when they pull the kayaks out of their back seat, while the rest of us are using step ladders and belts and trying to lift 50lbs over our heads.

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  3. I went kayaking about 10 years ago and had a great time right up until we pulled up to the dock and I couldn't get out of the kayak. It wasn't because of the fit but because of the strenth it took to lift myself out of the kayak while keeping balanced. I did have a life jacket but I live in Alaska and really didn't want to end up in the water. What I would like to find is some help on exiting the craft. Or perhaps I just need to do some strenthening excercises for the lower body. Denise

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    1. Anonymous9:42 PM

      Getting out of the kayak is the most difficult and awkward part of the trip for most paddlers. Even the more experienced kayakers can have a little trouble here as they get older and a little less flexible.

      I've seen newbies do better than the experienced just because they're younger, thinner and more agile.

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    2. Getting in and getting out is the most difficult part. The age factor is significant. I found it helpful to practice a little at home with the kayak on the ground. If you can get to know your own body in that craft before you have to get in or out when the kayak is in the water it's a little more comforting.

      Also, having a friend who can give you a hand is helpful. I still think the feeling of paddling at your own pace in a beautiful environment is worth the inconvenience of managing the getting in and getting out.

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    3. Anonymous8:39 AM

      I know this is a very old post, but for women having trouble getting in and out, I can share what works for me. I always carry a pair of ultra light knee length rubber boots with me in the kayak. I don't even attempt using the dock with everyone else. I paddle over to the shore as close as I can get in the the shallowest water (not over the boots) I then put the paddle across the width of the kayak as a place to keep my body steady and to boost me, and then swing one or both legs out and push up. It is soooo much easier.

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    4. Thank you I am new to paddling and Loved it until getting out... thank goodness my husband was there to help me out

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  4. Anonymous9:54 PM

    Where can I buy a kayak to fit a 300lb women that is forgood lake or calm rivers and has a storage space in the front or at least cupholders and a place to statch a lunchbag.

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    1. Any Kayak / Canoe Outfitter can help you with choosing the best kayak for you. Most kayaks suited for flatwater can accommodate up to 300 Lbs.

      Also, I use the Yakuzzi drink holder (link below). My kayak didn't come with one and I love this little attachment. Please let us know how it turned out for you. http://amzn.to/1a4XZqS

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    2. Anonymous8:14 PM

      i have a field and stream eagle talon 12 am 56 years young and just started ;ast year / I am going out tomarrow and cant wait.

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    3. Anonymous5:52 PM

      I am a 307lb women age 44 with fibomayagia and I kayak rivers. I have a open 12 foot bought at Walmart for 400 dollars.

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    4. Anonymous4:40 AM

      but how do you get out? I can get in but getting out is so embarrassing. I always dread it. I absolutely love Kayaking... I have shoulder issues and like those who have posted, I am no thin mint. any ideas

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    5. Anonymous
      My husband and I each have 120 Pongo (Wilderness) kayaks which hold weight up to 325 lbs. We are newbies. Getting out is the biggest problem, but we kayak from upstream to our camp complex in a river that runs 2-4 mph. We can only get out if we have help. Since we stop at the same point on the wilderness river where our camp complex is (our second home), we've decided to make a metal u bar 4 feet wide where we exit with the sides going deep into the bed of the beach so the u shaped bar will be sturdy. The ubar (pipes from Lowe's garden center with elbows) will be about 26-30" above where the kayak will enter (we'll test that) in between each ubar edge. We will use the ubar to pull ourselves up out of the kayak. It is embarrassing to have others potentially hurt their backs to pull us up, so we think this will really work, as we just need something to get us out of the squat position in the kayaks. BTW we both are in our 70s. We will not kayak alone until we gain full ability to master this and other survival skills. We go with others who help us get in the kayaks at this time, but we also use our paddles placed horizontally on the kayak for leverage. We also have a 6 foot sand dune which we have to go up and drag kayaks at the end of our trip. We are using a come-a-long at the top of the dune and attaching a wood bar at the bottom of the vertical treated wood pole holding the come-a-long (with angle treated wood to the bar) WITH a 4 foot wide x 12 foot long vinyl above ground swimming pool liner to get the kayaks (which only weigh 49 lbs) up the sand dune. This will save us much effort in getting the kayak to our 4 foot x 10 foot trailer (3 12' kayaks fit beautifully on this) awaiting us to go 600 feet to the 'boat house'. I hope these ideas are food for thought! KC

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    6. Wow, KC. I so admire your tenacity and willingness to do what it take. You're so right about getting out. It's the toughest of tasks, but the joy of kayaking is so great, isn't it.

      I've seen the U bars made near docs and they are helpful as long as the kayak is stable and can't move. You don't want to be pulling on the bar and have the boat slide out from under you. I've seen them work. They are wonderful.

      thanks for all the ideas and thought. Keep on kayaking and check back and let us know your progress.

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  5. This is a GREAT blog, please keep it up! I am 189# and 57 years old and I am working on all of this!

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  6. My first kayak was a Pathfinder 100 (Potomac), it is friendly and easy. Just find something and play for about a year, research, listen and find the perfect thing for you!

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    1. Great advice Deborah. Did you kayak much this past summer?

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  7. Anonymous12:21 PM

    We recently went kayaking in calm waters with a larger lady and she capsized. Then (due to her weight) was unable to get back in the boat, prompting a professional rescue. Also, rather embarrasingly for the young lady, the rescuers were unable to drag her into their boat, again due to her size. So is kayaking for everyone - yes absolutely! But, please be aware that when one member of the group becomes in danger, all members are in danger so think carefully before pursuing your chosen sport.

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    1. I don't know of too many people - fat or not so fat who can get back into a kayak from the water after capsizing. I wouldn't even try.

      Secondly, the kind of kayak one operates is important. A wide, long kayak suitable for flatwater is best. Sometimes the shorter ones or the very narrow (racing style) kayaks are much more prone to tipping. I've been in a kayak well over 100 times in all sorts of weather and in tidal waters where whitecaps were breaking over my kayak, but I have never felt like I was going to capsize.

      However, I've seen inexperienced kayakers get into racing kayaks and wobble all over the water.

      So I will still affirm that in the proper kayak, a heavy person can still enjoy kayaking on flat water without fear of capsizing.

      Thanks so much for your comments and for stopping by the blog.

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    2. Anonymous10:37 AM

      I'm pretty heavy (5ft, 4in, 250 lbs) and not in great shape, but getting into a kayak from the water is possible with the right gear. I use a rescue strap. It's basically just a strap that you wrap around the cowling on the cockpit of the kayak and it hangs down like a stirrup, making it easier to get back it. If there's nobody to counterbalance the kayak while you're getting in you can also use a paddle float as an outrigger. It can be done and it helps to practice, even if you feel awkward. I feel a lot safer knowing I can do it if I have to.

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    3. Fabulous piece of advice. Thanks for sharing it. Never heard of that technique but will look into it next Spring and perhaps share it in a blog post.

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    4. Wondering what Kayak the Anonymous post is using. I fit that size and am looking for a kayak. I have had knee replacement and a bit concerned that my knees after sitting will need to stretch before I can begin to move so any advice is appreciated.

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    5. Anonymous9:24 AM

      I am just getting started in kayaking myself. I'm 5'6" 245#. There are several videos on youtube that show how to get back on your SOT kayak. Lots of really good tips. The best tip was to practice in shallow water at home before you have to do it in an uncontrolled situation. You will also want to practice in deep water but somewhat closer to shore until you are comfortable with the technique. The video I originally found showed three different ways to do it including using your paddle and using a cooler to assist. I will always carry a cooler now.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnGjPUfOyvc

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  8. Anonymous11:53 PM

    Thank you for posting all of this! I have wanted to Kayak forever but thought I would need to lose a bunch of weight to do it. Year after year I have put off kayaking. I feel with some practice (and thank you for posting about wider kayaks and the rescue strap!) I feel like I might have a chance to do it!

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  9. I do plan to do this for fun and exercise, along with biking and walking at other time. I am trying to tone up my body and drop a few pounds but an not overweight, just heavier than I personally and happy with. My enthusiasm was slightly dampered at finding and reading this artilce, though I did laugh and decide I didn't care that it is for fat ladies in your opinion. I would enjoy the more fast paced kayaking and canoeing as well as white water rafting ( I have done this only twice) but will be doing the flat water kayaking as that is what is mostly available to where I live.

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  10. Anonymous2:37 AM

    Hi Mindie.

    I came across, and enjoyed your blog, when I was trying to find a flotation vest for kayaking (flat water on the East River in NYC of all places) that would appropriately, unobtrusively, and -- dare I hope- unludicrously, fit my 50 yo 5'3" 180lb 38DDDD+ body.

    I was curious to know which vest you use and whether or not you would recommend it or have tried some that you would specifically recommend avoiding.

    As an aside, I too am adopted and was touched by your post on the subject. I turned 50 just a few weeks ago and thought a great deal about my 18yo birth mother and her traumatic experience of my arrival into the world.

    Thanks in advance for any guidance you might provide!

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    1. hey there. I don't have a preference for life jackets and am not big-busted so the women's large typically fits me. But I checked with a friend who is big busted and she recommends the Moxie Life Jacket for women. http://amzn.to/1qb4OBn

      It comes in XXX sizes and is cut to fit a woman's body with adjustable pads. Have a look. Thanks so much for stopping by the blog and commenting. Wishing you many happy kayaking experiences.

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    2. Anonymous11:01 AM

      You could use a fishing pfd-they usually have a mesh upper half with most of the flotation padding around the midsection. they also have lower and wider arm opening so those lovely 'bat-flaps' on ur upper arms can fit without ending up with chafed armpits. plus you can get them in mens sizes which works very very well for taller women as the womens vests are typically built for the small framed 'average' woman. (average my hind end!). I think also that you would be able to re-enter the kayak after capsizing by floating on your belly lengthwise next to the kayak then sliding yourself back onto the deck/over the cockpit so that you end up laying on top as you would on a surfboard. You could then maneuver yourself back into the cockpit by slidding in on one side, leg first and rolling until your butt hit the seat again. You might have a fair bit of water to bail out of the kayak, but you would be inside again...one last thing-if the people that 'rescued'the heavy woman from the water couldn't pull her out of the water, what would they have done with a man, with average 'healthy' weights nearing the 200 mark and heavier or taller men? I don't think they knew what they were doing, if they did she would have been able to at least re enter some variety of boat again. poor woman!

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    3. Very thoughtful comments ....I love the description of how to get into a kayak from the water. Also, you're so right about the life-jacket sizes. I'll check out the fishing pfds. Thanks!

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    4. Anonymous12:05 AM

      Okay, I'm not an expert, but I've been in the drink plenty of times, and this may not work everytime for everybody, but have the "swimmer" grab the stern of the boat, and now you make like a tugboat for shore; once the victim is safe in shallow water or ashore, or on a rock, then worry about recovering the kayak / canoe, paddle, ice chest, whatever. p.s. as a whitewater raft guide for more than twenty years, I've pulled many many people back into a whitewater raft, and size/weight was never an issue, so I assume that the "professional" rescuer's must have had a rigid boat with an high gunwale requiring a high vertical lift...not the best boat for the job?

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  11. Anonymous10:31 PM

    As a 'full-sized woman' (nearly as wide as I am tall) I had my doubts, but I really wanted to try kayaking. I also have MS so am unsteady on my feet and hoped that I'd regain some sense of balance on my well-endowed rear. The cottage I had rented with friends had a couple of sea kayaks, in which one sits above the level of the water. Everyone else could do it with no problem; I capsized numerous times (in shallow calm water) before giving up. Do you suppose the problem is my lack of balance, or the fact that my weight was above the water line? It was so frustrating to watch my friends enjoying a new adventure while I stood by feeling like a complete failure. I gave myself a point for trying.

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    1. Without actually seeing you in the kayak, I couldn't make any kind of judgement on why you capsized. But all kayaks are not equal when it comes to "tippy-ness." Sea kayaks especially can be geared for experienced paddlers who can cut through turbulent waters. Typically, the shorter and wider a kayak is, the easier it is to balance. So consider that. I've seen first-time kayakers launch in flatwater that is still and some are wobbling and others aren't. The kind of kayak does matter. But if you're over 300 lbs, it may be difficult to balance most kayaks.

      I wouldn't give up, though. Have courage and go to an outfitter who sells kayaks and ask him what the best kayak is for an overweight person. Then call some outfitters who rent kayaks and ask for help. They can probably get you fitted into one that will work.

      Here's to you who gave it a try. Hope you find a good outfitter near you.

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  12. Anonymous12:01 PM

    Love your blog! I'm 54 and just bought my second kayak, perfect for my less than perfect, 200+ pound, 5'8" frame. An Old Town Heron XT (9.5 ft). I love AND I've capsized on the bank, entering and exiting. I don't care, there's no graceful way in or out IMO. Someone makes you feel badly about that? Well, Karmas only a beeotch if you are, right? :)
    The joy it gives me far outweighs my embarrassment, yippe kayak!

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    1. You are too funny. Glad you're kayaking and you're so right. There's no graceful way in or out. But what fun it is. I just tried using a tandem kayak this past weekend with my granddaughter. Worked beautifully and the open cockpit allowed me to turn around as I was getting up. I'm sure it still looked funny ---- but hey.. I was looking GOOD while we were paddling. hahaha Happy water trails to you.

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  13. Can anyone suggest an alternative to physically lifting kayak onto car roof for transport?

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    1. We restored an older boat trailer to be able to hold our kayaks. Much easier to both transport and remove from the vehicle.

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  14. Anonymous4:59 AM

    I've been looking at this kayak from Sevylor, http://www.sevylor.com/QuikPak-K1-Coverless-Sit-On-Top-Kayak-P2045C41.aspx it's an inflatable one. From reading the reviews it seems pretty good. I've checked out the reviews on Amazon and Walmart and most say it handles well for larger people (me). It has a weight limit up to 400lbs and it deflates into a backpack! I've never kayaked before but I have points that have been rewarded to me and i'm thinking of redeeming them for 3 of these ( one for my , hubby & son)!

    I figure being this will be my first time it will be convenient and easy for us to get started.

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    1. We have friends that have inflatable contacts and they love them. The only issue with those is the same as with traditional kayaks.... hefty girls have trouble getting out. As long as you have someone to help you exit the kayak, you'll probably love them like our friends do. Good luck.

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  15. Anonymous5:04 AM

    Thanks for your encouraging post Travel Hag! I was a bit hesitant to consider kayaking as I'm a chub myself and feel self-conscience but you've motivated me to try something new :-)

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    1. Good luck, girlfriend. Here's wishing you many fabulous future paddles. Send us a picture when you're hit the water.

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  16. THanks for posting. I'm thinking about getting a kayak and this post had some great suggestions. Love the title! At 50 something and size 14 (on a good day) it's nice to know that if I get the right equipment and plan ahead, I can be out there independent and enjoying the beauty of nature.

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  17. My husband and I use to kayak and fell away from it. I found your article doing some research for kayaks for plus size folks, great article by the way. We are both big people and since the last time we kayaked have gained considerable more weight and thinking about getting back into it, now its just a matter of starting over and finding a kayak that fits us again and of course the funds for it. I miss kayaking the sinepuxent bay.

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    1. Oh, Cecelia. I hope you get back to it. The Sinepuxent is one of the most beautiful kayaking spots. That's inspiration enough for getting back into it. Meanwhile, there's always rentals. Thanks for the comment.

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  18. Anonymous3:13 AM

    Just stumbled on this blog post; it's great! I'm a fat woman who's passionate about kayaking, but I like rivers better than flatwater. Started out 20+ years ago with an IK (inflatable), then got a recreational kayak (Wilderness Pamlico 120) that I ended up preferring over my IK for easier rivers (up through Class 2). Finally got a whitewater hardshell (LL Remix 69), love the way it paddles, but found a few challenges trying to roll in a pool session, so was searching "rolling kayaks short arms" (found that both sexes can have this problem and they gave me hope to learn to modify rolling technique for my body), when I stumbled on this blog. For river stretches, you do need at least one other person for a shuttle (and safety), but kayaking rivers is so absolutely wonderful, and no reason a fat lady cannot do it. I love how a few hours of kayaking a river is to me just pure flowing joy, and yet I at home I end up feeling like I just got a great full body workout. Over the years I've also come across a few other fat girls kayaking, and doing Class 2+/3 whitewater as well as anyone else. It just takes that bit of work to at first find the right kayak(s) that you are comfortable in. Aire Lynx for an IK, rec kayaks now have wide comfy seats, and they are making some whitewater kayaks for larger boaters now too. Have fun out there!

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    1. Your sentence, "I love how a few hours of kayaking a river is to me just pure flowing joy, and yet I at home I end up feeling like I just got a great full body workout." says it all. You are an inspiration. Thanks for your thoughts.

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  19. Anonymous2:43 PM

    Here's my experience as a big woman: I weigh 300 lbs and years ago bought an Old Town Loon 138 (13 ft, 8 in). It was wide, extremely stable and comfortable (although your kayak looks intriguing, as it has the enclosed storage, which the Loon does not, so I use drybags). They don't make the Loon anymore, but there are comparable boats such as yours, and you can find a used Loon. The Loon's drawback is it weighs 54 lbs. If I am by myself, I use a boat cart to help me lift the kayak into and out of the truck bed and roll it to the shore (the cart makes it easy to roll the boat up into the bed until enough of the boat is up that you can lift the free end inside) and secure it with ropes through the rings provided on the truck and around the loop handle of the end sticking out of the bed. I only put the boat on the roof rack if I have someone to help me coming and going.

    I always try to launch from a sandy spot, and I have taken to carrying the telescoping metal hiking sticks (with compasses on the ends!) and making them the right size to launch myself, pushing off on both sides of the boat like I'm skiing, then stow the sticks inside the boat in front of me. I never use the paddle for that (too easy to damage it that way).

    Returning to my sandy, flat spot, here's what I do to get out of the kayak: I do have to get my feet wet, but I don't care, as I almost always wear surf shoes. I paddle as far in as I can until the kayak is stable on the sand, then I turn in my seat, holding onto the gunwales, and face sideways, shimmying and pushing up with my arms until I can get one knee resting on my seat and I am facing the back of the kayak. I then carefully place my other foot on the floor of the boat in front of my seat on the side I am exiting from (not in the middle, as that's the keel, and I don't want to damage it), so that my weight keeps the boat firmly in contact with the ground (the boat is tilted to that side I'm standing on). Still holding onto both gunwales, I stand up, put my seat foot next to my floor foot, then lift my floor foot out of the boat onto the sand, then my other foot. The boat may float a little bit at this point, but I have a good hold on it still and can just push it onto more solid ground. This is the only way I can get out of the kayak, as I do not have the arm strength to hoist myself up. I don't see why anyone else can't do it this way. Jeesh, I should probably make a video of this!

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    1. Gayle3:29 AM

      Yes you SHOULD make a video of this! I would LOVE to watch it, I really struggle getting out!

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  20. Anonymous6:50 PM

    This is a wonderful blog! Fat ladies unite. I've never been in a kayak, but there is this beautiful spot that I want to photograph in Port Austin, MI that can only be accessed by canoe or kayak. We will be up there on vacation and I can't imagine being that close without getting there. I'm very nervous, but will try my best. Have already purchased a waterproof camera bag and my life jacket as I am also very large breasted. I'm hoping I can find a canoe or kayak to fit my 260 lb bottom.

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  21. This is SO ENCOURAGING! Thank you! I am under 200 pounds, but am 65...and was wondering how I might be able to lift a kayak to and from the roof of my car....If all you can do it, I can too! Now I need to find a group so I can get some practice. Tips? Btw, I live in Easton, MD, and Blackwater and Assateague are the first places I want to go after testing things out here on the Tred Avon or Miles....

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    1. So good to hear from you, Gayle. And I send out sincere encouragement to you. I'm not aware of any kayaking groups on the Shore but I'm sure there are many. I do have some good contacts who might be able to tell you about group tours or Paddle clubs. Susan Meredith at Blackwater Paddle and Pedal out of Cambridge is a good resource http://www.blackwaterpaddleandpedal.com as is Stan Shedaker at Adreline High out of Salisbury http://bit.ly/1Jkt0Mr Wishing you the best of luck in your paddling adventures.

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  22. P.S. This is to check the box to get notified of new comments....Gayle

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  23. Anonymous8:49 PM

    Wow what an awesome article. Turning 63, have a few health issues including knee. Would love to do this, sounds WONDERFUL. Any clubs in Northern California that you know of? Would like to get started but not alone initially.
    Thanks any recommendationsnor information is appreciated.

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  24. I am thinking of getting into a water sport like this to help me get in better shape. I am a 350 lbs male and I have found kayaks that would hold me and a little more but the getting out is what worries me. Would a canoe or kayak be easier to get out of? Any advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

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  25. I am also a new plus sized kayaker. I am curious as to what life jackets fit a larger woman best.

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  26. Just responding to rescuing someone that is too heavy for the rescuer. Grab each side of their pfd firmly. Have them hold their breath. Dunk them under the water and as they spring up give a great tug to assist. It is called the dunk and flop method or some odd thing like that.

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  27. Thank you so much. My mom was an avid kayaker before her death. We are both Chesapeake born but she is gone and I am in Montana and needed the kick of your blog to get a craft and get on the water

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  28. Any tips on getting in a kayak for big girls

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  29. I bought a Kayak after reading this. I've been wanting one for a few months, but no one in my circle thought I'd be able to get in and go. Well, I went the first time by myself so if I failed they'd not be there. I was able to unload kayak myself. Drag to edge of water, and gently sit down, swing legs over and enjoy the thrill of success. I actually was so nervous I shook a bit once on the seat. I got a vessel that I could afford and wasn't to concerned about bells and whistles. The Lifetime Tachoma fit the bill for me. I won't be taking it in river nor lake without family, if at all, but for our little pond I feel good about it now. When I build up to an hour I may consider the ocean😃I paddled a few minutes each time and hope to work up to at least an hour. I'm obese and between poor core and bummed shoulder, I am still recovering from rotator cuff repair surgery, I get tired fast. I can't stand up nor squat enough to get on it without getting in the water like my son and granddaughter can do; nonetheless, you all here gave me the boost I needed to try. I look forward to us enjoying this sport together. For right now I'm content to paddle a few minutes a day. Hopefully, I'll work up to at least an hour by Spring. Wanted to tell y'all a big THANK YOU!

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  30. I would like to know how to best gauge if I could fit into the kayak without having to get into first in front of a salesperson.

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    1. If you’re uncomfortable with a Salesperson, you might try a kayaking outfitter. They are used to people of all sizes and physical capabilities getting in and out of kayaks. Just be honest and say you’re unsure about getting in and out. They know how hard it is. If they encourage you, rent one of their kayaks and see how you like the experience. The other option is to find a friend who has one and try getting in and out on level ground. It may take a few times before you fee secure enough. Thanks for stopping by the blog.

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  31. What a great topic! Has anyone looked into the ORO folding kayaks? They have one that is rated to 300 lbs and it looks really roomy. I have never kayaked, but this post is inspiring me to believe it might actually be possible. I hope some of the plus sized experts will post some videos for the newbies :)

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  32. Anonymous1:36 PM

    REI has a good video showing an average-sized woman getting in and out of her kayak at a dock and getting in on a sandy shore. She obviously knows what she's doing, but still looks awkward. Watching it helped me adjust my unreasonable expectations (thinking a skinnier person would be able to somehow float in and out of the kayak?! ;-) Check it out...
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43s7QUzCW2E

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