Kayak Spray Skirt Size Calculator
Find the right spray skirt size from your cockpit dimensions and waist measurement for a secure, comfortable fit.
Inputs
Results
Deck size (1-4: S/M/L/XL)
2
Tunnel size (1-4: S/M/L/XL)
2
How to Use This Calculator
- Measure the inside cockpit length from front to back rim in inches.
- Measure the inside cockpit width at the widest point in inches.
- Measure your waist circumference in inches at the level where the spray skirt tunnel will sit (around the navel).
- Select the skirt material: neoprene for whitewater (better seal), nylon for touring (lighter and easier to put on), or hybrid.
- Read Deck Size and Tunnel Size — use both numbers when ordering, as manufacturers size the deck (cockpit) and tunnel (waist) independently.
- Check Implosion Resistance if you paddle steep whitewater — neoprene skirts on smaller cockpits score highest.
How the result changes with Cockpit length (inches)
| Cockpit length (inches) | Deck size (1-4: S/M/L/XL) | Tunnel size (1-4: S/M/L/XL) |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | 2 | 2 |
| 28 | 2 | 2 |
| 43 | 4 | 2 |
| 55 | 4 | 2 |
What each input means
- Cockpit length (inches)
- Inside length of the cockpit rim, front to back.
- Cockpit width (inches)
- Inside width of the cockpit rim at the widest point.
- Waist circumference (inches)
- Measure around your torso where the skirt tunnel sits (at navel level).
- Skirt Material Type
- Material type affects fit and water resistance.
What each result means
- Deck size (1-4: S/M/L/XL)
- Recommended deck size to fit your cockpit. 1=Small, 2=Medium, 3=Large, 4=XL.
- Tunnel size (1-4: S/M/L/XL)
- Recommended tunnel size for your waist. 1=Small, 2=Medium, 3=Large, 4=XL.
- Cockpit area (sq in)
- Approximate cockpit opening area.
- Cockpit perimeter (inches)
- Approximate cockpit rim circumference for rand sizing.
- Fit quality (0-100)
- How well the recommended tunnel matches your waist. Higher = better fit.
- Implosion resistance (1-10)
- Resistance to water pressure pushing the skirt in. Higher for neoprene + smaller cockpits.
How this is calculated
Worked example, using the default values
- Identify Input Parameters4 parametersCockpit length (inches) = 33, Cockpit width (inches) = 18, Waist circumference (inches) = 34, Skirt Material Type = 2 = 4 input(s) provided
- Calculate Deck sizeDeck size2 = 2
- Calculate Tunnel sizeTunnel size2 = 2
- Calculate Cockpit areaCockpit area = π * (cockpitLengthIn / 2) * (cockpitWidthIn / 2)466.5 = 466.5
- Calculate Cockpit perimeterCockpit perimeter = π * sqrt((cockpitLengthIn ^ 2 + cockpitWidthIn ^ 2) / 2)83.5 = 83.5
Engine last updated . Checked against 3 independently-derived tests — how we verify calculators.
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