{"id":232,"date":"2022-07-31T00:05:02","date_gmt":"2022-07-31T00:05:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/?p=232"},"modified":"2022-07-31T00:06:06","modified_gmt":"2022-07-31T00:06:06","slug":"which-is-faster-kayak-or-paddleboard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/which-is-faster-kayak-or-paddleboard\/","title":{"rendered":"Which Is Faster Kayak or Paddleboard?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_45_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"ez-toc-toggle-icon-1\"><label for=\"item-64ff6f0fdb8cc\" aria-label=\"Table of Content\"><span style=\"display: flex;align-items: center;width: 35px;height: 30px;justify-content: center;direction:ltr;\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><input  type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item-64ff6f0fdb8cc\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-visibility-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/which-is-faster-kayak-or-paddleboard\/#Kayaks_vs_Paddleboards_the_Turtle_and_the_Hare\" title=\"Kayaks vs. Paddleboards the Turtle and the Hare\">Kayaks vs. Paddleboards the Turtle and the Hare<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/which-is-faster-kayak-or-paddleboard\/#Which_is_Faster_the_Kayak_or_the_Paddleboard\" title=\"Which is Faster, the Kayak or the Paddleboard?\">Which is Faster, the Kayak or the Paddleboard?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/which-is-faster-kayak-or-paddleboard\/#Differences_Between_a_Kayak_and_a_Paddleboard\" title=\"Differences Between a Kayak and a Paddleboard\">Differences Between a Kayak and a Paddleboard<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/which-is-faster-kayak-or-paddleboard\/#Stability_and_Speed\" title=\"Stability and Speed\">Stability and Speed<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/which-is-faster-kayak-or-paddleboard\/#Staying_Upright\" title=\"Staying Upright\">Staying Upright<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/which-is-faster-kayak-or-paddleboard\/#The_Effects_of_Fitness_on_Speed\" title=\"The Effects of Fitness on Speed\">The Effects of Fitness on Speed<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/which-is-faster-kayak-or-paddleboard\/#How_Fast_Does_a_Paddleboard_Travel\" title=\"How Fast Does a Paddleboard Travel?\">How Fast Does a Paddleboard Travel?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/which-is-faster-kayak-or-paddleboard\/#How_Fast_Can_a_Kayak_Travel\" title=\"How Fast Can a Kayak Travel?\">How Fast Can a Kayak Travel?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/which-is-faster-kayak-or-paddleboard\/#Which_Is_Easier_to_Paddle\" title=\"Which Is Easier to Paddle?\">Which Is Easier to Paddle?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/which-is-faster-kayak-or-paddleboard\/#Is_a_Longer_Paddleboard_Faster_than_a_Shorter_One\" title=\"Is a Longer Paddleboard Faster than a Shorter One?\">Is a Longer Paddleboard Faster than a Shorter One?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/which-is-faster-kayak-or-paddleboard\/#What_Influences_Speed\" title=\"What Influences Speed?\">What Influences Speed?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/which-is-faster-kayak-or-paddleboard\/#Environmental_Conditions\" title=\"Environmental Conditions\">Environmental Conditions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/which-is-faster-kayak-or-paddleboard\/#User_Skill\" title=\"User Skill\">User Skill<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/which-is-faster-kayak-or-paddleboard\/#Experience\" title=\"Experience\">Experience<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/which-is-faster-kayak-or-paddleboard\/#Craft_Design\" title=\"Craft Design\">Craft Design<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/which-is-faster-kayak-or-paddleboard\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"value_0\" class=\"fldValue form-control pseudo-control aggressiveBreak mb-3\" data-id=\"0\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kayaks_vs_Paddleboards_the_Turtle_and_the_Hare\"><\/span>Kayaks vs. Paddleboards: the Turtle and the Hare<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div id=\"caption_1\" class=\"fldCaption\">\n<p>On a hot summer day, there\u2019s nothing better than hitting the water in your kayak or paddleboard. Both are excellent ways to get back to nature and get a workout.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s a good chance you\u2019ll hit the water, too. But if you want to go fast, which is the best choice?<\/p>\n<p>The kayak is generally the winner for speed when it comes to paddling in a straight line. It offers more stability than the paddleboard, which allows the rider to use more powerful strokes, increasing speed. You\u2019re also less likely to tip over in a kayak, giving you more time paddling than trying to upright your vessel. Because of all these factors, kayaking is faster.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_is_Faster_the_Kayak_or_the_Paddleboard\"><\/span>Which is Faster, the Kayak or the Paddleboard?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Generally speaking, the kayak will be faster than the standup paddleboard. However, they both have a variety of shapes designed with specific purposes in mind. The kayak usually comes out on top when paddling in a straight line.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Differences_Between_a_Kayak_and_a_Paddleboard\"><\/span>Differences Between a Kayak and a Paddleboard<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There are several differences between the two that affect their speeds. Depending on how these differences affect the rider, they will also impact the speed at which the vessel travels.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stability_and_Speed\"><\/span>Stability and Speed<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Kayaks offer far greater stability than paddleboards. This is because the center of gravity is kept far lower, enabling easier balancing. It requires much more movement to tip it over than a paddleboard. This stability allows for much more intense strokes and greater speed.<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, the paddleboard requires you to stand while operating it. The center of gravity is elevated, making it harder to balance. This positioning causes you to paddle slower to maintain your balance and, in turn, go slower.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Staying_Upright\"><\/span>Staying Upright<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Another aspect that allows the kayak to move at a faster speed is its ability to stay upright. It does not flip as often as a paddleboard, keeping you moving forward. Although, it is a bit more challenging to get back into a kayak than to remount a paddleboard.<\/p>\n<p>Because of their lack of stability, you\u2019re more likely to flip your paddleboard until you gain mastery over your balance. With all this starting and stopping, you will move a lot more slowly.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Effects_of_Fitness_on_Speed\"><\/span>The Effects of Fitness on Speed<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>When you use a kayak, you will target the muscles in your core and arms and perform a cardio activity. Because you are sitting, you will not be using your legs.<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, the standup paddleboard targets all the muscles in your body. You stabilize yourself with your legs and core while propelling yourself with your arms.<\/p>\n<p>The average-level fitness user will go much faster in a kayak than on a paddleboard.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Fast_Does_a_Paddleboard_Travel\"><\/span>How Fast Does a Paddleboard Travel?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>You won\u2019t be expected to move fast on a paddleboard unless you\u2019re racing. Average speeds on a casual ride are between 3.5 and 4.5 mph. It\u2019s comparable to jogging speed to give you a general idea of how fast that is.<\/p>\n<p>That doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019ll be stuck at 5 mph forever. With improved skills will come faster speeds. Many racers can achieve up to 7 mph with records beating that average speed.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Fast_Can_a_Kayak_Travel\"><\/span>How Fast Can a Kayak Travel?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Different designs affect the speed of a kayak. However, for a basic recreational kayak measuring 12 feet long and 30 inches wide, most kayakers will maintain an average speed of 2 to 5 mph.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Is_Easier_to_Paddle\"><\/span>Which Is Easier to Paddle?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Generally speaking, it is easier to paddle a kayak. They move faster than paddleboards, perform better in whitewater and open seas, and are usually easier to maneuver.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_a_Longer_Paddleboard_Faster_than_a_Shorter_One\"><\/span>Is a Longer Paddleboard Faster than a Shorter One?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The length of your paddleboard will make a massive difference in determining how it handles. Generally speaking, longer boards will move faster than shorter boards; however, shorter boards can be maneuvered better. These are things to keep in mind:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Shortboards are ideal for surfing and kids.<\/li>\n<li>Medium boards are perfect for all-around use, including paddleboard yoga.<\/li>\n<li>Longboards are suitable for paddling fast and touring long distances.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Influences_Speed\"><\/span>What Influences Speed?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Several factors influence the speed and whether you use a kayak or a paddleboard.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Environmental_Conditions\"><\/span>Environmental Conditions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Choppy waters will slow you down. Moving in tranquil waters will allow you to move more quickly in whatever direction you want to move in.<\/p>\n<p>The same thing goes for the wind. If you are moving with the wind, you may move more quickly, but you slow down when you try to move against it.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"User_Skill\"><\/span>User Skill<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The more skill you have at paddling, the more speed you will likely have. You will need to know the right kind of posture and paddling techniques, whether you are using a kayak or a paddleboard.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Experience\"><\/span>Experience<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019re a new rider, you\u2019ll be slow as you figure things out. As you gain experience, you\u2019ll add speed. Don\u2019t worry if you\u2019re the slowest one on the water when you first start; everyone has to start somewhere.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Craft_Design\"><\/span>Craft Design<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The design of your kayak or paddleboard will also affect how fast you move. As discussed above, longer paddle boards will move faster than shorter ones. Kayaks with slimmer, narrower designs will also move faster.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Enjoying the water in your kayak or paddleboard can be a great way to experience nature. With the breeze in your hair and the sun on your face, it\u2019s one of the best experiences. It\u2019s also a fantastic way to get a workout without being stuck in a gym.<\/p>\n<p>If you want the fastest option, chances are you want a kayak. For straight-line paddling often beats out a paddleboard. With its excellent stability and ease of staying upright, the kayak has fantastic features that boost its forward speed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Kayaks vs. Paddleboards: the Turtle and the Hare On a hot summer day, there\u2019s nothing better than hitting the water in your kayak or paddleboard. Both are excellent ways to get back to nature and get a workout. There\u2019s a good chance you\u2019ll hit the water, too. But if you want to go fast, which<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":233,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/232"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=232"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/232\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":234,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/232\/revisions\/234"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/233"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=232"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=232"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayakcountry.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=232"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}