Sit-on-top kayaks might be the best way to go if you’ve ever wanted to try kayaking but weren’t sure how it would feel.
Sit-on-top kayaks are designed with a large open cockpit and easy entry and exit for paddlers of all abilities. The hull is unsinkable, meaning it will not fill with water and sink like traditional wooden boats.
In this blog post, we’ll look at the pros and cons of Sit-On-Top kayaks and find out if they’re as unsinkable as people claim.
Key Takeaways
- Sit-on-top kayaks are not unsinkable, but they are much more stable and easier to get back into than traditional kayaks.
- Sit-on-top kayaks are great for novices or anyone who wants to take it easy on the water.
- While sit-on-top kayaks are not immune to sinking, however, they are much less prone to capsize than regular kayaks.
- Tipping your sit-on-top kayak over is easy to get back into, thanks to the wide-open design.
- Sit-on-top kayaks are a great option for those looking for a stable and easy-to-use kayak.
Are Sit-On-Top Kayaks Unsinkable
In short, no. While sit-on-top kayaks are less likely to sink compared to traditional kayaks, they are not immune from doing so.
If you fall overboard and find yourself in water above your head (or worse), it can be difficult to get back into your kayak. Many people find it easier to abandon their kayaks entirely and swim back to shore.
This is not to say that sit-on-top kayaks are dangerous or cannot be used for activities such as touring or fishing – they certainly can.
However, suppose you’re looking for a safe and stable way to enjoy the water. In that case, traditional wooden boats will always be better options.
Sit-On-Top Kayaks Are Designed With A Large Open Cockpit
The cockpit of a sit-on-top kayak is large enough to allow you to sit on it. This means that you can easily enter and exit the boat.
It also allows for easy entry and exit because there is plenty of room for your legs in front of the seat, which makes getting in and out easier than traditional designs.
The Kayak’S Hull Is Unsinkable, And It Will Not Fill With Water And Sink
The hull is made of a material that is not affected by water, which means it will not fill with water and sink.
If your hull does fill with water, it will float! This makes for an incredibly safe ride in the event of an emergency.
So what does this mean? It means that there is no need to worry about getting lost in the wilderness if you are kayaking on a placid lake or river. Your boat can’t sink because it’s built strong enough to handle any kind of weather conditions (though they do recommend wearing life jackets).
Sit-On-Top Kayaks Are Stable And Easy To Maneuver
Sit-on-tops are more stable than traditional kayaks. Traditional kayaks have a front and rear deck that allows you to sit on the boat while paddling, but this design makes it harder to maneuver in tight waters.
The sit-on-top design allows you to paddle with your hands-free, which means you can easily control your course when maneuvering through narrow channels or around rocks.
Sit-on-tops are also easier to maneuver than traditional kayaks because they’re wider at their widest point than most other types of boats (like inflatable SUPs).
This wider width makes them more stable when going over waves or into shallow water. In contrast, other boats do not work well because they don’t have enough stability for such maneuvers.
Sit-On-Top Kayaks Are Ideal For Beginner And Intermediate Kayakers
Sit-on-top kayaks are ideal for beginner and intermediate paddlers. They offer stability and ease of maneuverability, making them easier to learn how to use than traditional kayaks.
Sit-on-tops are also more beginner-friendly because they don’t require as much strength or confidence from the paddler to stay upright during different maneuvers.
There is a wide range of sizes and designs of sit-on-top kayaks out there, so it should be possible to find one that suits your needs.
Sit-on-top kayaks can be used for fishing, surfing, and other activities.
Sit-On-Top Kayaks Are Available In A Variety Of Sizes And Styles To Suit Any Paddler’S Needs
Sit-on-top kayaks are available in various sizes and styles to suit any paddler’s needs. Sit-on-top kayaks for all ages, genders, and skill levels can be used for recreational purposes and as rescue boats.
The design of these vessels has evolved so much over time that today you can find many different models on the market that offer unique features such as seating arrangements, hull shapes/cavities, etc., which make them ideal for specific purposes such as fishing or even just relaxing out on the lake with friends or family members.
How Does A Sit-On-Top Kayak Differ From A Traditional Kayak
Sit-on-top kayaks are more stable than traditional sit-inside or sit-in models. They’re also beginner friendly because you can get in and out of them without climbing into your boat and the water.
A larger cockpit makes more room for sitting, paddling, and fishing from your kayak, which is beneficial when you want to stay dry while exploring new areas or just hanging out on your own time.
While some people prefer an upright design because it allows them to stand up straight inside their boat with ease (and this may help improve balance), others find that sitting down with their legs dangling over the sides provides a more comfortable ride than standing up would offer—especially if there isn’t enough room inside the boat itself.
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Sit-On-Top Kayak
Sit-on-top kayaks are more beginner-friendly than traditional kayaks. They’re also easier to get in and out of, maneuver and store.
Disadvantages include:
- The sit-on-top design makes it difficult to load your boat if you have a lot of luggage or gear (such as a fish entree) that needs to be stored on the bottom of the boat. If you don’t want this extra weight, consider buying an inflatable sit-on-top kayak instead!
- Because they rely on their seats for stability, there’s no need for heavy protective paddings like those found in bulkier boats like hardshell models or inflatable versions such as those provided by NRS Inc., which would require additional expense up front but provide better protection against injuries should anything happen while using one yourself during travel days at campgrounds where alcohol consumption isn’t allowed due to safety concerns.
Are Sit-On-Top Kayaks Unsinkable
In general, sit-on-top kayaks are designed with a large open cockpit. This allows for easy entry and exit. The hull is also unsinkable, meaning it will not fill with water and sink.
Some models also have a small deck area; these are great for taking your dog or other passengers along for the ride.
Conclusion
Sit-on-top kayaks are more beginner-friendly than traditional kayaks. They’re easier to learn and use, making them great for anyone looking for a low-effort entry into the sport of paddling.
The best part is that there’s no need for special equipment or skill level – just bring your hands and feet, and you’re ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I tip my sit-on-top kayak, will it fill with water and sink?
Sit-on-top kayaks are designed with an open cockpit, so it’s possible that if you tipped the kayak and allowed water to fill it, it might sink. However, this is unlikely to occur because sit-on-top kayaks are very seaworthy and unsinkable.
Will I get wet if I’m sitting on a sit-on-top kayak?
Yes, suppose you’re using a sit-on-top kayak designed with an open cockpit. However, if you’re using a model with a small deck area, your feet and legs will be inside the kayak while the rest of you is outside. This means that you’ll stay dry.
How do I get in and out of a sit-on-top kayak?
Most sit-on-top kayaks have easy entry and exit. Simply put your feet inside the kayak, lean back, and push off from the shore or a pier.
What type of paddles should I use with my sit-on-top kayak?
Any type of kayak paddle will work well with a sit-on-top kayak. Moreover, you don’t need to use a lot of power when paddling; just use enough to keep the kayak moving in a forward direction.