How to Determine Speed in a Kayak

Knowing how to determine your speed in a kayak is essential in planning longer trips. This ability will allow you to read nautical charts and determine where to camp for the night. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. For the purposes of planning a trip its best to think of your average speed as your cruising speed, this is a speed that you can maintain for at least one hour. Typically your cruising speed will fall between 2 to 4 knots, though tandems can be on the higher end of that given their hull design and strength of the paddlers.

2. Use your nautical chart to measure the distance in nautical miles between two easily distinguishable objects, such as landmarks, then time yourself as you paddle between these objects.

3. Try to remember what that speed feels like and fall into that pattern as your general cruising speed. This will help you to more accurately gauge the distance you can travel in a day. It will also help you to determine your speed made good, or net speed under real conditions.

4. This knowledge combined with the tidal and current knowledge for your area will help you to more accurately travel and plan longer trips.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that tides and currents can speed up and slow down your boat.
• Alway wear a properly fitted PFD when paddling.