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Which Sit On Top Kayak is right for me?
Sit on top kayaks have been the paddling success of recent times. More and more people are taking up the sport and there are probably more sit on top kayak models available than any other type of paddling boat on the market right now. That makes choosing the right sit on top all the more difficult for anyone new to the sport.
Sit on top kayaks come in a wide range of sizes and specs with features and performance charateristics that might or might not suit what you are planning to do. It's important that you have a good idea of what you're looking to do and where you want your kayak to take you so you can hopefully get it right first time.
As such, there's a few questions to ask yourself that are a good way of starting your search. So grab a cuppa, sit down, be honest with yourself and we'll do our best to whittle down the choices for you.
Enjoying a sunny day on a sit on top kayak
- Solo / Tandem
- Type of water
- Seats
- Features
- Accessories
Solo or Tandem?
The first question in selecting the right sit on top kayak should really be "Am I going to be paddling on my own, or will I have company?"
Most of us want a sit on top kayak that we can paddle on our own. The problem with buying a tandem sit on top to use solo in this instance is that most of the time the primary use will be solo paddling. This means that for the majority of your trips you are going to have to be loading and unloading a big, heavy sit on top on and off the car roofrack on your own. Add to that trying to control a bigger kayak on the water where the seating position and performance is geared for the weight of 2 people, and you end up really not getting the maximum enjoyment out of your time. Consider that when a nice day does come along, while the idea of paddling is attractive, your first thought is a negative one of having to get the thing to the water on your tod you'll often put off going altogether. It's most likely going to be a much better option to go for a dedicated solo boat and then if someone wants to come with you, persuade them to invest in one themselves or get a tandem as well further down the line if it looks like something you're going to be doing a lot and it's worth the investment.
View Solo Sit On Top Kayaks for sale
View Tandem Sit On Top Kayaks for sale
After that the next question is really 'What do I want to do with my sit on top kayak?'. Depending upon where you want to go, there are many sit on tops that might not be right for you and only a few that will be best.
Recreational Sit on Top Kayaks are normally short and stableand are great for getting to grips with the sport of you are new to it. These little boats are also great fun for kids and adults alike and can take on a variety of waters from calm fresh water rivers and lakes to having some fun in the surf at the beach.It for these reasons that recreational sit on top kayaks are so popular for family holidays. Any sunny weekend at our local Blakeney harbour will see the car park filled and water teeming with little sit on tops.
See Feelfree Roamer 1, Feelfree Nomad Sport, Wave Sport Scooter
Touring Sit on Top Kayaks are longer, narrower and much easier to paddle over distances. Many of these kayaks have more storage areas on them and usually internal storage accessed through big hatches normally at the front.
See Widerness Systems Tarpon 120, Perception Triumph 13
Fishing Sit on Top Kayaks have really grown in popularity in recent years. The ability to take your passion for fishing and combine it with exploring new and previously untapped areas of water where who known what fish lurk just waiting to be tempted.
Pedal Drive Sit on Top Kayaks give you the ability to go where you want but without the need to use a paddle. These can be powered by either a propeller or fin system and make using these kayaks so very easy. Controlled by a simple rudder, theyare becoming more and more popular.
Where am I going to use my sit on top?
Fresh water use is by far the most common use for sit on top kayaks. Pretty much any sit on top will be suitable for flat water paddling on rivers, lakes and other inland waterways. Which sit on top you choose will simply be a matter of solo or tandem use and then how far you want to go, how easy a paddle you want it to be, how stable and comfortable you would like it and how much storage space you need. Also of course, your budget comes into it as well.
Sea and Estuary use is a different matter altogether. Whenever you take a kayak onto the sea there are more factors to consider in order to ensure you are safe. Shorter sit on tops may be ok for close to the shore and surfing, but they will really struggle against strong tides or in windy conditions further out. Therefore a longer model of above or around 12 feet in length would be much better. The other thing to remember when kayaking on the sea is that you need to be able to get back onto your sit on top should you capsize, so a stable kayak or some additional basic safety equipment and practice at recovery would be a great idea.
Seats
There are three main designs of canoe hull, each with its own properties.
Basic
- Cheapest seats available, so great if on a budget
- Some padding so comfortable enough for shorter trips
- Will fit most sit on top models
- Easy to fit and adjust
Deluxe
Premium
- Hobie Kayaks have arguably the best sit on top seat available today.
- Wilderness Systems have a similar seat system suspended above the hull
- Fully adjustable with backrests, leg lifters and on the Hobie even lumbar support
- Being suspended above the hulls means never sitting in a puddle
If you are going to be on your sit on top for any length of time then a good quality seat is worth its' weight in gold. Likewise if you suffer from a bad back, sciatica or any other nerve issues then an adjustable and supportive seat is a must. However, if it's just for occasional use, then a cheaper one will be fine. Dropping in to the shop and trying a few seats out is definitely something we recommend if at all possible.
Features
Sit on top kayaks ofter have different features, so here are a few things to look out for.
Carry Handles
Most sit on top kayaks will have carry handes of some descrition already fitted. You normally find webbing straps fitted to the sides of many basic sit on top models, however on some models you find the carry handles are part of the hull moulding. This makes lifting so very much easier as they are much more rigid and comfortable to use. Carry handles should also be fitted or moulded in at the bow and stern ends.
See: Feelfree Nomad Sport. Perception Triumph 13
You can also fit webbing carry handles if your kayak doesn't currently have them.
Internal Storage Space
A great feature to have on a sit on top kayak is storage space. Hatches that give access to the inside of your kayak hull can come in different sizes and are ideal for storing anything from smaller items right up to clothing and even camping gear. Be aware though that there's no such thing as a completely waterproof hatch on a sit on top, so you're always best to put your items into a dry bag before putting them inside your boat.
See: Dry Bags and Luggage
It may be possible to fit a hatch into your sit on top if you've not already got one. (Feel free to contact us if you're unsure if this is possible)
External Storage Space
Most commonly found storage area on a sit on top kayak is the storage tank. This flat recess moulded into the hull is normally found behind the seat area but some kayaks also have an area at the bow. These tanks usually have bungees covering them to help attach or secure your items and make sure they don't get lost. There are also normally scupper holes through which water can drain out of the tanks. This is especially handy if paddling on the sea and waves break over the kayak.
Scupper Holes
One feature on any sit on top kayak you should find are scupper holes. These not only allow water to drain away thought the hull ensuring you're not sat in a puddle, but they also act like pillars keeping the shape of the hull rigid and preventing the boat from oil-canning. You'll normally find scupper holes in the foot area, under the seat and in the rear storage tank area. You can purchase bungs to block up these holes should you wish which is great for river use, but if you're taking your sit on top onto the sea you'll need to keep them free to allow water to dain away if a wave breaks over the bow.
Accessories
There are lots of accessories you could have for your sit on top kayak, but there are a few that might be more important than others. Below are a few of the more common and popular accessories people buy and use with their kayaks.
Paddle Leash
A very cheap, but fantastic little item should you happen to drop your paddle in the water. A paddle leash is especially handy if you are paddling your sit on top on the sea where your paddle will get pulled away on the tide more quickly than if you are on calm fresh water.
View Paddle Leashes
Scupper Bungs
If paddling on the river or lakes you may wat to plug up your scupper holes to prevent any water getting in to your sit on top kayak. Scupper bungs are simple accessories that you just shove into the holes and how many you need will depend upon how many scupper holes your kayak has and if you want to block them all.
Dry Bags
An essential part of your sit on top kayaking equipment. Great for whether you are storing gear in the rear tank well area or inside your kayak. Dry bags come in a range of sizes so they are great whatever amount of kit you need to take or whichever size hatch you need to fit your bags into.
Thigh Straps
If you want to get more out of your sit on top kayak and especially useful if you want to imprive your kayak surfing, a set of thigh straps can help make a big different. They act like thigh braces in a sit in kayak and lock you in place so that your sit on top reacts better to your body movement and you get more of a feel for your kayak's movements. Simple clips will attach to a wide range of makes and models.
