Help Center Water Sports Fitting Guide

Water Sports Fitting Guide

From paddleboards to kayaks and canoes, the right fit means more stability, efficiency, and fun on the water.

Sizing basics

• Length
  • Short (≤10') → playful, maneuverable, kids & surf
  • All-around (10–12') → versatile for most paddlers
  • Touring/Race (12'6"–14') → faster, straighter tracking
• Width
  • Wider (32"+) → more stable, beginner friendly
  • Narrower (28–31") → faster, less stable
• Volume / weight capacity
  • Check board's max weight rating (paddler + gear)
  • Heavier riders → higher volume

👉 SUP Buying Guide: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/stand-up-paddle-board.html

Types

• Recreational (8–12') → stable, wide, calm water
• Touring/Sea (12–18') → faster, track straight, handle waves/wind
• Whitewater (6–9') → short, maneuverable for rapids
• Tandem → longer, fits 2 paddlers

Fit

• Cockpit should allow snug but comfortable contact with thighs/hips
• Taller paddlers → look for longer cockpits
• Always check kayak weight capacity (paddler + gear)

👉 Kayak Sizing Guide: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/kayak.html

Length & usage

• Short (13–15') → lighter, easy to carry, solo or day trips
• Medium (15–17') → versatile, balanced for most uses
• Long (17–18'+) → faster, carry more gear, best for multi-day trips

Depth & width

• Deeper → carry more gear, better in waves
• Wider → more stable, slower
• Narrower → faster, less stable

👉 Canoe Buying Guide:

SUP Paddles

• General rule = paddler height + 8–10"
• Surfing → shorter (≈ +6–8")
• Touring/Racing → longer (≈ +10–12")
• Adjustable paddles = best for families & rentals

👉 SUP Paddle Guide: https://www.paddling.com/learn/choosing-a-stand-up-paddle

Kayak Paddles

• Match paddler height to kayak width

👉 Kayak Paddle Guide: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/kayak-paddle.html

Canoe Paddles

• Rule of thumb = floor to chin length
• Test: grip paddle upside down, blade on floor → grip should reach chin/nose
• Adults: 52–60"; kids: 42–48"

👉 Canoe Paddle Guide: https://paddling.com/learn/choosing-and-sizing-a-canoe-paddle

Types

• Type III (Recreational) → most common for paddling
• Type V (Specialized) → whitewater, rescue, or sport-specific (must be worn exactly as labeled)
• Inflatable PFDs → not for kids or whitewater

Fit

• Adults → size by chest measurement
• Kids → size strictly by weight:
• Infant = 8–30 lbs
• Child = 30–50 lbs
• Youth = 50–90 lbs
• Must fit snug and not ride up when pulled at shoulders
• Kids' PFDs must include grab handle + crotch strap

Safety & Responsibility

• ⚠️ A properly fitted PFD is mandatory by law in Canada for each person on board
• Inspect before use → straps, buckles, flotation foam must be intact
• Never alter or modify a PFD → voids certification and makes it unsafe
• Always follow manufacturer instructions and labels

👉 PFD Guide: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/pfd.html ⚖️ Disclaimer: Renters are responsible for checking manufacturer labels, ensuring proper fit, and inspecting their PFD before use. StompGear provides guidelines only and assumes no responsibility for misuse or failure to wear a PFD.

• Helmets strongly recommended (and often required) for whitewater kayaking, canoeing in rapids, and SUP on rivers
• Rivers are high-risk → only paddle if you have formal training or are with a certified guide
• Always inspect gear before use (boards, kayaks, paddles, PFDs, helmets)
• Different activities = different gear → always check manufacturer instructions
• Training and/or hiring a guide is the safest choice for river trips

⚖️ Disclaimer: StompGear provides fit and safety guidelines for education only. We do not provide training, supervision, or rescue services. Renters are solely responsible for ensuring they have the proper skills, equipment, and safety practices for the activity. Misuse of gear or unsafe paddling practices can result in serious injury or death. StompGear assumes no responsibility for accidents, injuries, or damages resulting from reliance on this information.