Editing Kayak (section)

=== Displacement ===
If the [[Displacement (fluid)|displacement]] of a kayak is not enough to support the passenger(s) and gear, it will sink. If the displacement is excessive, the kayak will float too high, catch the wind and waves uncomfortably, and handle poorly;<ref name=seakayak/> it will probably also be bigger and heavier than it needs to be. Being excessively big will create more drag, and the kayak will move more slowly and take more effort.<ref name="long_narrow">{{cite web|url=http://kayarchy.com/html/01equipment/004seakayakdesign.htm|title=Kayarchy – sea kayak design|website=Kayarchy.com}}</ref> [[Kayak roll|Rolling]] is easier in lower-displacement kayaks. On the other hand, a higher deck will keep the paddler(s) drier and make self-rescue and coming through surf easier.<ref name=seakayak/> Many beginning paddlers who use a sit-in kayak feel more secure in a kayak with a weight capacity substantially more than their own weight.<ref name=seakayak/> Maximum volume in a sit-in kayak is helped by a wide hull with high sides. But paddling ease is helped by lower sides where the paddler sits and a narrower width.

While the kayak's buoyancy must be more than the loaded kayak, the optimal amount of excess buoyancy varies somewhat with kayak type, purpose, and personal taste<ref name=seakayak/> ([[squirt boat]]s, for instance, have very little positive buoyancy). Displacements vary with paddler weight. Most manufacturers include kayaks for paddlers weighing {{cvt|65|-|85|kg|lb}}, with some kayaks for paddlers down to {{cvt|50|kg|lb}}.<ref name=seakayak>{{cite web|url=http://kayarchy.com/html/01equipment/002seakayaks.htm|title=Kayarchy – the kayak|website=Kayarchy.com}}</ref><ref name=kayarchy_women>{{cite web|url=http://kayarchy.com/html/06shop/003seakayaks.htm#seakayakstofitwomen|title=Kayarchy – retail outlets (3) sea kayaks & paddles|website=Kayarchy.com}}</ref><ref name=kayarchy_kids/> Kayaks made for paddlers under {{cvt|100|lbs|kg|order=flip}} are almost all very beamy and intended for beginners.