Sit-In vs Sit-on-Top Kayaks

Sit-In Kayak or Sit-on-Top Kayak?

How to decide between a sit-on or a sit-in kayak

If you are new to the world of kayaking and trying to work out whether a sit-in or sit-on-top kayak is best for your requirements, then this article is going to run through the pros and cons of each.  Both recreational kayaks and fishing kayaks come in sit-in and sit-on configurations and ultimately the choice between the two comes down to personal preference.

What Exactly is a Sit-In kayak?

A sit-in kayak has an enclosed cockpit, which the user will have their legs inside of. Typically, a sit-in kayak will often feature armrests, footrests, a backrest and cup holders inside of the cockpit area for improved comfort. This type of kayak is perfect for those who prefer to stay dry when on the water and it comes with several advantages over a sit-on-top kayak. Of course, being in an enclosed cockpit reduces the amount of maneuverability of the individual, so, if you need to be able to move around easily, then this could be a drawback.

What are the advantages of a sit-in kayak?

A sit-in kayak provides more stability than a sit-on-top kayak due to the fact that the paddler is located inside a cockpit on the waterline. This lowers the center of gravity and means that it is less likely that the kayak will tip over.

A sit-in kayak also has the added benefit of keeping the paddler dry. The elimination of drain holes from the cockpit compartment means that it is watertight and even the roughest of waters will not be able to enter this area.  During colder weather, the enclosed cockpit keeps the paddler warmer and helps seal out the elements.

If you appreciate having space to store your fishing gear or personal belongings, then a sit in kayak usually comes with more storage hatch areas than a sit-on-top kayak does. This makes it the perfect choice for those who are going on extended fishing or camping trips and want to keep their gear as dry as possible while paddling.

What Exactly is a Sit-on-Top Kayak?

A sit-on-top kayak more closely resembles a surfboard and features a cockpit or seat that is completely open.  The seating position of a sit on top kayak is higher than that of a sit-in, allowing for a better view and a slightly more comfortable sitting position for those with tight hamstring muscles.  At the bottom of the cockpit area, most sit-on top kayaks have small drain holes called scupper holes, that are in place to drain away any water that enters the area.

Advantages of a sit-on top kayak

A sit-on-top kayak makes it easy to go from kayak to water.  Unlike the sit in kayak, a sit-on-top kayak does not restrict or cover the legs of the paddler, making it idea for wade fishermen, swimmers and divers who need to get in and out of the kayak often. They are also a great choice for the larger than average person who may struggle to comfortably fit into the cockpit of a sit in kayak.

A sit-on-top kayak also makes it easy to access storage areas, which can be difficult to reach when using a sit in kayak. It is also impossible to sink a sit-on-top kayak, as it is a single sealed unit. If it happens to tip over in the water, you simply flip it back into position.

Final Thoughts

Depending on the main purpose of using the kayak, each one has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages. A sit-in kayak will keep you drier in cold conditions and is perfect for  and those who appreciate stability, whereas a sit-on-top kayak is better suited for social situations and when easy access to the water is required.

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Kayaking With Kids

Kayaking With Your Kids

How to safely kayak with children

Kayaking is an easy activity for the whole family to enjoy, and as not much strength is required, it is perfect for all age ranges from infants up to teenagers and beyond. However, the focus of this guide is younger children, which will help put you at ease and allow them to make the most of their kayaking experience.

Your Children’s Safety Comes First

As the responsible adult, it is up to you to make sure that the child is well fitted out with all of the appropriate safety gear. The first thing you will need is a well-fitting life vest that should be worn at all times by your child while on the water. If you are going out on cold water, then a wetsuit may also be a good choice to consider.

It is absolutely vital that you never strap or your child onto or into the kayak as if it happens to tip over, it could lead to drowning. Take note of any adverse weather conditions or potentially dangerous waterways and ensure that you have a fully stocked first aid kit stored away. These basic common sense guidelines not only make kayaking with kids a safe experience, but will allow you to relax and enjoy it too.

What is the best kayak for kayaking with young kids?

This is a question that gets asked a lot and will depend on the comfort levels and the ability of your child. For newbies to kayaking and those who are particularly young, a sit-on-top kayak will often prove to be perfect starting kayak.  A tandem sit-on-top kayak can usually accommodate 2-3 people depending on the model and it’s perfect for small families who want to enjoy the experience together. This also allows the more experienced paddler to take control of the kayak while letting the little ones simply enjoy the experience while getting used to being on the water.  Should you decide to go this route the Bali 13.5 tandem makes a great family kayak as it can seat up to 3 people and allows for a young child to sit between two parents or adults.

Not all children will feel comfortable being seated on a sit-on-top kayak, and if it is just you and one child, then you do have the option of placing them on your lap in a sit-in kayak or opt for a tandem sit in kayak. This not only prevents active little children from falling into the water, but also keeps them dry and provides enough stability to help keep them calm while you take the reins. If choosing this option, make sure to get a kayak that has a large, open cockpit to allow for freedom of movement and easy entry / exit of the kayak.  The Aruba 12 ss, with it’s large open cockpit works well for this type of family kayaking.  The choice will ultimately be yours, so try to take the child’s feelings into account beforehand.

Now, If your child is a strong swimmer and has the confidence to go it alone, then it is time to switch things up.

Your Child’s First Kayak

Once your child is ready to get out on the water with you in their own kayak, then understanding their abilities will help you decide what kayak is best suited to them.  To minimize the chances of your child falling into the water or capsizing,  a broad-based kayak will provide them with the confidence and stability necessary to fully enjoy their day on the water.

When choosing a kayak for your child, consider the type of activity that they will typically be using the kayak for.  A sit in kayak will typically feel more secure to a child when sitting in the cockpit of a sit-in kayak as it provides more stability due to the fact that they are sitting on the waterline.  The draw back of a sit-in kayak is the fact that should your child tip it over, it’s a little harder to get out of and the kayak will fill with water.  The Aruba 8 kayak is our best sit-in kayak for kids.

On the other hand, a sit-on-top kayak is slightly less stable as the weight of the paddler is typically above the waterline. The benefits however, are that if the child wants easy access in and out of the water, then this is the perfect choice for them and should the kayak tip over, your child can simply flip it right side up and continue using it without having to drain the water out.  This option works great for use in warm weather when kids will be swimming and playing on the kayak several times throughout the day.  The best sit-on kayaks for kids who want this type of use are: Bali 6, Bali 8 SS and Camino 8 SS.  Older kids may prefer to use the Bali 10 SS.

Final Thoughts

Kayaking with kids can be a fun and fulfilling experience for everyone. It not only allows them to reconnect with nature and take a time-out from a world filled with modern technology and stress, but also educates them water safety and etiquette. It is important to remember that everyone’s feelings must be taken into consideration and you should never push the child to go it alone if they are not ready. As soon as they get their water wings, it will have them hooked for life.

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Top Ten Reasons to Go Boating: Recreational Boating Activities

Adventure

Boating has always been an adventure: from the first mariners that set sail to discover new worlds to the commercial fishermen and merchant seamen even today who go down to the sea in ships. The seamen who opened world trade routes around the Horn, the captains and crew who fought the world’s great sea battles, and the birch bark canoe men were adventurers all. Whenever or wherever you take to the water in your boat, from a dinghy to a yacht, you are joining the ranks of marine adventurers of all time. There is always an unknown ahead of you -- an adventure awaits.

BondingBoating

You can, of course, boat alone, but the greater satisfaction is in boating with others, bonding with family and friends, and developing teamwork that makes your boat go better. Working together to leave the dock, racing, cruising, anchoring, and returning to harbor can expand your life and relationships. Sailing, perhaps, offers the greatest opportunity for team building, but so does two man canoeing, even pedal boating.

Craftsmanship

Boats, more than automobiles or airplanes, require craftsmen. There is always something to fix or improve on a boat that you must do yourself, not contract for. There’s a crack to mend, or a leak to plug, or a bottom to clean; something to paint, varnish, or polish, or a broken line (boaters don’t call them “ropes” see Education, below) to splice or replace. Perhaps there is a bolt to tighten or a block to grease. If you have an engine, there may be oil to change or packing to stuff. It is an endless source of satisfaction for a job well done.

Developing skills, wisdom, and confidence

There is never a day when you will go out in a boat that you do not learn something new or sharpen a skill. There is never a day when you are not required to make a decision, often quickly, that you have not made in quite the same way before. Boats are not as life threatening as automobiles, but they seem to be. The bigger risk in boating is to your ego, for there are times when wind, wave, or current becomes the master. And with loss of ego, as the Maine sage says, comes wisdom. In this way you develop confidence in yourself and in your ability to handle unexpected situations.

Education

First of all, you have to learn a new language. Boats don’t have fronts or rears. Even canoes and dinghies have bows and sterns, with bow lines and stern lines. There are knots you must learn to tie. There is nothing intuitive about making boats go, either, and you will always want to make the boat go better, or faster, or safer, requiring education in seamanship, rules of the road, and safety. You need to learn piloting and chart reading, how to anchor, and how to read the weather and the water. If you trailer your boat, you need an education in how to launch and retrieve, and how to balance your load; it is not as easy as it looks. In boating, continuing education is the name of the game.


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