The Center of Gravity (CG) of the kayak empty is forward of the Center of Buoyancy (CB) and the CG of the paddler is aft of the CB. A kayak is about 50 pounds and an average paddler is about 200 pounds 4 times as much. Since the CG of the Kayak loaded is always directly over the CB, the weights balance over the CB. Therefore, the kayak CG has to be forward of the CB 4 times the distance that the CG of the paddler is aft of the CB. The average paddler’s CG (in his paddling position) is about 12 inches forward of the backrest. Now all you have to do is figure out where the CG of your kayak is located, it is usually not far from midship. But I make no promises here.