What is your sustainable paddling speed?

Last weekend on CL it was relatively flat wiith very little wind. I found out that with some effort I could keep my T-15 at about 4 MPH. Not a relaxed stroke but  right at the edge of feeling I could maintain that speed for a long time. How is your speed when paddling and what kayak do you paddle? Thanks, Craig

Trident 13

Sustained 4, but if I really paddle like a maniac I can get to a little over 5 but can't keep it there very long.  Maybe a couple minutes or so.

Finally got a FF w/gps...and I could actually see how fast I was going for once. Turns out 6.5mph is too fast for stripers. But it was pretty easy to sustain 5+mph at the Forebay in a Hobie Revo w/turbo fins. So I guess that w/b pedaling speed; not paddling speed though. Saltwater results pending salmon on 4/7.

Finally got a FF w/gps...and I could actually see how fast I was going for once. Turns out 6.5mph is too fast for stripers. But it was pretty easy to sustain 5+mph at the Forebay in a Hobie Revo w/turbo fins. So I guess that w/b pedaling speed; not paddling speed though. Saltwater results pending salmon on 4/7.

Thanks Pat. Kind of looking for paddler info though. Trying to find some comparisons.

Can't give you an exact speed, but for what it's worth here's my info from today. ~3.7miles, 2 hours, pulled 5 crab traps, spent time sorting crab, floating & drifting a little. Mix of flat water in the harbor and running with, against, and across 3' swells. So Mine has to be at least 2mph easily, and I'd say I'd probably be very comfortable still at 3mph if not more. But I'm on the water at least twice a month dealing with swells and I rock climb regularly too, so that's gotta count for something.

It would work best to get an acurate comparison if you were the one paddling the different boats Craig. Everyones technique is going to be different. I don't know what type of data you are looking for just an idea.

I plan for 3.5 in ok conditions.  Relatively flat with little wind ... I have the same thoughts on 4 as you do.  +/- 0.2 depending on kayak in the 12-15 foot range.

-Allen

It would work best to get an acurate comparison if you were the one paddling the different boats Craig. Everyones technique is going to be different. I don't know what type of data you are looking for just an idea.

Correct Victor. I know that there are different paddlers and physical conditions can range all over the place. What I'm trying to find out is an average speed across the board of peoples abilities and the craft they use. Information that could be used to establish a criteria for design and ability. IE: Would you buy a kayak that paddled easier and faster but still gave you all the things you want in a fishing kayak platform that is powered by paddle.

I think it was 2 in the Big Game 3 in the 4.7.   Just estimates.  I have not been out since the shoulder fiasco in July. 


Eric Morgan
Trident Ultra 4.7
Not the guy selling the Outback
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have been 5.4 last week in my older '06 Tarpon 160. Sustained I have paddled 4.3-4.5 for an hour straight non stop. Picked it a time or two during that hour. If I just want to cruise 3.5-4 no problem for as long as you want me to. Really no effort at that speed. My new '13 kayak may actually be faster. It felt pretty slick on the maiden voyage. We will see. FF added this week I hope.

For long range paddling on the ocean in my P15, 4 MPH was my cruising speed for 10-15 mile total distance trips. Seriously, second only to the T16.0 as far as paddling yaks (fishing SOT).

3.4-3.7 on my cuda 14 fastest sprint was 4.9

 

3.4-3.7 on my cuda 14 fastest sprint was 4.9
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+1
That's about what I was doing today

3.8 - 4.2 on my Cuda.  I maintained this for 2 miles last weekend.

  Interesting topic !  Thanks Craig.   

     My sit in Raptor    4.1 avg     That was racing you to the red can,  bouy was I beat !!!   

       I find the SOT a little faster.  My typical paddle out to the mile bouy,  taking my time, ocean conditions,  3.7 mph   I can do that all day.    Sprint speed  I can hit 5 mph. 
 
    13' kayak