Adventure Sports

Most traditional ocean kayaks tend to be small boats, which have at least one cockpit and a covered deck, where the paddler sits within the vessel at a point which is below sea level to allow for increased stability. However, a more contemporary and increasingly popular style of sea kayak, which seems to be a hybrid of the regular sea kayak and a surfboard, is the sit on top kayak.

As the name implies, the primary point of difference with the sit on top kayak is that the paddler sits, exposed, on the top of the vessel, rather than within it. They were primarily built for wave riding, as the paddler can more easily evacuate the vessel. However, they are also very popular among fishermen and scuba divers, because occupants of the kayak can easily enter and exit the water and change their seating position.

These kayaks come in a wide range of makes and models for you to choose from.

You might choose a recreational sit on top kayak. Most are very wide, leading to increased stability, and hence they are perfect for kayakers of all skill levels. For instance, a Riot Escape Kayak will be relatively slow, but is stable and maneuverable.

You could also go with a sit on top touring kayak. These are vessels designed specifically for longer journeys. For example, the Cobra Explorer Kayak has a polyethylene hull which is light, stable and has minimal drag, which is perfect for extended periods of paddling. The storage compartment at the rear is also much larger than many other models.

Racing sit on top kayaks are also available. These tend to be lighter and not as wide, having been built specifically for speed. They also tend to have excellent tracking. To give one example, the Ocean Kayak Sprinter Racing Kayak is a sit on top model which is definitely not for beginners – but if you want to win this is perhaps one of the fastest models on the market.

If you wish to paddle with a friend, then a double sit on top kayak will suit your needs. Tandem kayaks tend to be larger, with enough storage space for two people. You could paddle in a tandem DAG Tribal Kayak or an Exo Shark II Double Kayak.

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