Miscellaneous Technical Information on Kayaks

Length vs Resistance

This technical page shows a graph of data on the first tab. The graph is also technical, and compares the resistance to forward motion, in kilograms; to the length of the kayak, in centimeters. The line plotted is a least squares fit. However, it shows a slight increase in resistance versus length; counter to what most paddlers assume.

The reason is that overall length is not a good indicator of the speed; (resistance felt) of a kayak. Waterline length is a slightly better indicator. But other technical factors are significant.

The raw data is on the second tab. Furthermore, the data is taken from Sea Kayaker magazine kayak reviews.

kayak technical

Lift Versus Drag in Technical and Greenland Style Paddles

A simple analysis of the relative importance of lift and drag in a greenland style paddle.
Why Kayaks Weathercock

A diagram and explanation of weathercocking by Frank Goodman.
Why Kayaks Rotate About Their Center of Gravity

A simple and technical demonstration of the physics principles imvolved in rotating a kayak. Moreover, it shows that kayaks do rotate about their centers of gravity when paddled.
Shock Absorbing Towlines – what size bungie is required?

Nonetheless, some paddlers want a shock absorption system in a towline. This page explains how to determine what size bungie is required to limit the forces on a tow rig.