Choosing the right size SUP or kayak doesn’t need to feel complicated. Once you know the basics – like your height, weight, and how you plan to paddle – it becomes really simple.
Think of this as your friendly, “no jargon” cheat sheet. Whether you’re brand new or upgrading your current setup, you’ll find the numbers you need right here…
1. SUP Sizing – what size SUP do I need?
SUPs come in a LOT of lengths and widths, but here’s the easy rule:
Match the board length to your height, and the volume to your weight.
Most adults end up on something around 10’6″-11’4″ for all-round paddling.
SUP Size Table
| Your Height | Ideal SUP Length | Width | Volume |
| < 5’4″ | 9’8″ – 10’4″ | 30″ – 32″ | 160-190L |
| 5’4″ – 5’10” | 10’4″ – 10’8″ | 31″ – 33″ | 180-220L |
| 5’10” – 6’2″ | 10’8″ – 11’4″ | 32″ – 34″ | 220-260L |
| 6’2″+ | 11’4″ – 12’6″ | 32″ – 34″ | 240-300L |
You can find plenty of all-round boards in Go Kayaking’s SUP section!
What size SUP paddle do I need?
Another easy rule:
Your height + 20–25 cm
- All-round paddling → height + 20–25cm
- Surf SUP → a bit shorter
- Touring → a touch longer
2. Kayak Sizing – what size kayak do I need?
Start with your paddling style
- Recreational kayaks: 9-12 ft (slow but stable)
- Touring kayaks: 12-15 ft (great for distance)
- Sea kayaks: 15-18 ft (fast, efficient, built for UK coasts)
- Whitewater kayaks: 5-9 ft (super manoeuvrable)
If you’re unsure, a 12-14 ft touring kayak is often a sweet spot for beginners doing mixed paddling.
Kayak Size Table
| Your Height | Ideal Volume |
| <5’6″ | Low volume |
| 5’6″ – 6’0″ | Medium volume |
| 6’0″+ | High volume |
Volume affects comfort, stability, and how the kayak handles under you. Brands like Dagger, Pyranha, and P&H (all available on Go Kayaking) clearly label LV/MV/HV options.
What size kayak paddle do I need?
General rule:
Match paddle length to your height AND kayak width.
Touring & Recreational Paddle Size Guide
| Your Height | Paddle Length |
| < 5’2″ | 210cm |
| 5’2″ – 5’8″ | 215 – 220cm |
| 5’8″ – 6’2″ | 220 – 230cm |
| 6’2″+ | 230 – 240 cm |
Whitewater paddles are shorter (185–200cm), depending on boat type.
Go Kayaking stocks a wide range of touring, sea, and whitewater paddles in these sizes.
Quick summary!
- SUP size: Match length to height; match volume to weight.
- SUP paddle: Your height + 20–25 cm.
- Kayak size: Short = playful, long = fast.
- Kayak paddle: 210 – 240 cm depending on height and kayak width.
FAQs
What size SUP do I need for my height?
Most adults land between 10’6 and 11’4, depending on height and weight.
What size kayak do I need?
Pick the type (recreational/touring/sea) first, then choose a volume that suits your height.
What size paddle do I need?
SUP: height + 20 – 25 cm.
Kayak: 210 – 240 cm depending on your height and boat width.
Is a longer SUP better?
For distance and straight-line paddling – absolutely. Longer boards track far better.
Your next kayaking adventure is awaiting…
