Hi Tara,

A recreational paddler may only go 5 miles on your average not-too-serious weekend short paddle, at a pace of about 2 mph.

For a longer day trip, 10-20 miles isn't too difficult if you're reasonably fit. The average club trip would probably fit in this area. 3.5-4 mph (3 or so knots)

If you're in great shape and are out for a seriously strenuous workout, 30-40 miles is doable. 4, maybe 5 knots.

I'd say 35 miles would be your "kayak century" with fanatics (the Greg Barton's of the world) able to do 60-80 miles in decent weather on a surf ski or other expert boat. 7-8 knots on flat water, and pushing 11-12 knots surfing on big swells.

A lot of recreational races are around 20 miles, and often won in under 3 hours time.

Shawn