What Makes a Fast Fishing Kayak, Fast?

A lot of people would choose kayaks to fish since they can glide faster compared to most trolling motor boats, which allow you to be able to go to more fishing locations. And the faster your fishing kayak is, the better. However, do you have any idea what makes a fast fishing kayak?

Here are the basic elements which significantly affect the speed of a fast fishing kayak.

Length and Width

Basically, a longer and narrower fishing kayak makes it faster, more efficient and easier to keep in a straight line while paddling or moving. On the other hand, a shorter and wider kayak will make your kayak run slower but more stable and easier to rotate.

If you’re using your kayak to go fishing, it’s smarter to invest in shorter kayaks which are around 9 to 12 feet long. Most kayaks in between are made for recreational activities besides fishing.

However, there will only be a significant change to speed if we’re talking about cutting off or adding 1-2 ft. to the length.

Symmetry

There are three different types of kayak symmetry, Sym, Fish and Swede. Among the three, the fish-form kayaks allow you to paddle it the fastest and most efficiently.

Length of the Hull

The longer the length of the hull is, the faster it can cruise. But as mentioned earlier, it will take a foot or two to generate significant change in speed.

Residual Resistance

For a human-powered water vehicle, reducing residual resistance is a great idea that creates just small waves as it cruises.

Hull Surface

If you reduce the surface of the hull, it will result to lower frictional resistance which allow your kayak to go faster.

Paddling Techniques

Most people neglect to see that it’s not just about the kayak that makes it go faster, it’s also about the proper techniques in paddling. It’s easy to paddle, but there are more efficient ways on how to improve speed.

1. Good Posture – Sit straight, relax your shoulders and breathe properly. Never lean your back to the backrest.
2. Keep your legs together – With your legs together and both of your feet against the foot pegs, you’ll have additional balance and an improved torso rotation for a better paddling.
3. Mainly use your torso and legs – Proper paddling is by rotating your upper body while you are arms are completely straight. When you paddle, picture yourself pulling yourself, passing the height of your own paddle.
4. Start your first stroke – As you start to hit, straighten your upper body and keep your lower arm almost completely straight. To support the hit, use the foot on the same side you hit the paddle into the water to create a power.

Loosely grip the handle of your paddle so your upper arm should be relaxed. Also, make sure your upper hand is at about eye level all the time to keep the paddle in a vertical position. The stroke ends as your put down your hand on the same level your tummy is.

1. Post-stroke – Bring the blade of your paddle out of the water by leading with your elbow. However, you must not lift it above the height of your shoulder. You can prepare for the next stroke after and then you can keep your upper body straight for another hit.
2. Uninterrupted flow – You should make sure your actions are continuous and the same throughout.