Anyone here kayak? Long story: last summer I was supposed to learn how from a woman in the area, and we exchanged a lot of emails about it. She had an extra kayak and wanted to find someone to row with during the week, so we planned on going out. At the last minute I asked her if there would be a problem if I'm overweight, and I told her how much I weighed (at the time I estimated that I was probably around 255-265, but I was scale-phobic, ha). I wanted to know if I should just rent a larger or more appropriate kayak from some place on the Potomac if hers wouldn't work. She sent me an abrupt, curt email in response telling me that I shouldn't attempt to kayak until I've lost all the extra weight, and that was that.

I spent the rest of the summer completely discouraged and hopeless, and tried my best to forget about the whole thing, but I've gotten the itch again this spring and have done some more research. It seems that it is possible to kayak if you're larger. But I really don't know where to begin. Does anyone here kayak? I think it'd be a great way to exercise (I love being outdoors).

I really need to make this work. I've been dreaming about kayaking for a decade, and I'm not going to let anyone discourage me again. I wish I had had thicker skin last summer. I might have been able to seek advice and get going elsewhere.

My husband and I have 4 kayaks. My husband is a big dude, 6'5 and ~300 and he certainly has no problem kayaking.

Alot may depend on what type of kayak you use. We have sit-on-tops, versus the sit-inside type (which are often seen on white water). I bet sit-insides might be pretty restrictive for height and weight. But not so with sit-on-tops. Also, sit-on-tops don't require you to learn how to roll a kayak, which is often stressful for newbies. If you "fall out" of these they float and you just climb back aboard.

Attached is a pic of me in one of our sit-on-tops. You can see the open cockpit design.

You could look on Meetup.com and see if there are any local paddling groups in your area (there are 3 or 4 in my area) -- people own often extra kayaks (as we do) specifically to be able to take other people out with them. There are also stores that rent, so check your phone book.

Definitely don't let that dingbat lady discourage you from pursuing kayaking. It is alot of fun and I'm sure you'll love it.

I've kayaked a few times, and I know people who kayak a lot -- you don't have to be skinny to do it. My first time, I was worried about it too. I also worried that I wouldn't have enough upper body strength for it. But it turned out to be a lot of fun, and not too hard at all. Looking for a paddling club is a good idea. There's one near me that actually offers classes in kayaking for fitness and weight loss.

Oh yes - and kayaking is great fun! Please don't let anyone discourage you, there are kayakers of all shapes, sizes and ability levels. Josephine has given you a great primer on the different types of kayaks available, depending on your needs.

In addition to the meetup suggestion, you could also investigating taking one or two excursions with an outfitting group in your area. They will provide the kayak, give you basic paddling instruction, and you'll be escorted by someone who knows the route and can coach you. That's probably the easiest way to start. You can google it, or check with your local kayak shop - they would know. It definitely helps to get some instruction in basic paddling, there's a technique to it just like anything else. Paddling is a whole-body exercise, not just for the arms! It uses the core, and the legs, and is a wonderful workout that you can do in a leisurely way, or as intensely as you like. It's actually easier to do it properly, because you ARE engaging your whole body and not just trying to paddle with your arms.

My husband and I went for the touring style of kayak, long and narrow with a sit-inside cockpit, because we want to be able to go long distances and camp out of them. They are more expensive and require more skill to operate, but that's what we wanted. I had to learn how to paddle it, and even more important, how to fall out and get back into it!! (Can't eskimo roll yet, I'm not that good!) Most people around here will get the sit-on-top poly kayaks that are much more stable and accomodate a wider range of physical types and abilities. For most purposes, they are perfect.

So yes, you can do it!! I've attached a picture that shows my kayak style, for contrast. (ain't she purdy?)

Thank you guys so much for your advice! I've found a place nearby that does the basic kayak lesson with a tour on the nearby Potomac, etc. I think I'll be going for a sit-in kayak, but I'll talk to an experienced kayaker first. Again, thank you. That's all the encouragement and information I needed! ^-^

And yeah, those kayaks are definitely beautiful. You have no idea how excited I am! I'm finally living in an area where I can kayak and I'm definitely not going to let anyone else persuade me from doing it.

Let us know how it goes! We call kayaking "hiking on the water". Once you become comfortable with the mechanics of paddling, you get the same feeling of being one with nature that you do with hiking out in the woods. You see the scenery and wildlife from a completely different perspective than from a car or boat.

We are fortunate to live in an area where there are tons of kayaking options (bay, ocean, lakes, canals, springs) and we can go all year around. There are literally 3 million people that live around here, yet once we venture outside some of the most popular launch spots, we frequently see NO one else out there. It's the same when we vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains National park. The roads and towns are mobbed, but as soon as you venture a few hundred yards up the more advanced/longer trails, you're practically out there by yourself. I just never get that. Most people miss the best stuff!!! I guess people are held back by: lack of fitness/ interest/ knowledge or their fears. But that's another topic ....

Actually I meant to say I'll probably go for a sit on-top kayak first. Sounds more stable and more appropriate for a beginner. I know what you mean, MBN. I go hiking in Shenandoah National Park a lot and once you hit more difficult trails, especially the longer trails, you stop running into people. I usually prefer it that way!

Enjoy the lessons, I'm sure you'll have a great time!

Yeh, don't let that discourage you. I got a SOT (Sit on Top) and absolutely love it! I want to get a sit in, but I'm going to wait until I get down to my weight to spend a lot of money.

Research a lot of kayaks. Get the most comfortable one for your body type. I got an Emotion SOT because the butt section was rather spacious Good luck!

Epic inspiration: kayaking on the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (1,600-miles!)

Can you imagine kayaking the whole thing?!

crafty, what is the name of the company? Did you talk to them yet and ask about sit on tops?

I'd like to learn to kayak too. I go hiking near the potomac and it kind of intimidates me with all their signs of 'fast moving water' and such.

I did find a place called Potomac Paddlesports. All their pictures are of the sit inside kayaks though.
http://www.potomacpaddlesports.com/

Also, if you enjoy kayaking, you can even get into things like kayak polo.

We have a team at the university that play in the Olympic size pool providing all the supplies you need. It's amazingly good fun and totally accepting of all sizes and athletic abilities.

I haven't called them yet. It didn't even occur to me that they wouldn't have on-top kayaks. The company I found closest to me is in Vienna, VA. Here's their website. I will check out your link, too.

Tyler, that is beyond epic! I have been dreaming/planning/dreaming about thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. Now I have something else to think about, too!

Zen, that sounds like fun. I enjoy sports (I played water polo and rugby in high school) although I'm not highly competitive anymore. I'll have to see if there's something like that around here. It'd be a good way to meet other kayakers, since none of my friends are interested in trying it.

Crafty, that looks good. I was just in Vienna today.

I'd like to try kayaking although I may have a few too many activities though