Design load

The load assumed when designing a kayak. The design load may be just a paddler's weight (in the case of a racing or whitewater kayaks) or of the paddler and a typical touring load (for a touring sea kayak).

If a kayak is used by a kayaker whose weight is well outside the design load, the kayak will not perform as expected. For example, a kayak that is significantly underloaded will be easily affected by wind. An overloaded kayak will be sluggish and maneuver poorly.

When looking at published kayak reviews, it is significant to consider whether the testers have used the kayak within the design load limits. For example, a light paddler testing a big touring kayak with no load in it will not experience the true characteristics of the kayak and their comments should be taken in that light. Similarly, a big paddler in a small, light day-paddler will likely have a bias based on being in the wrong sized kayak.