Ive just been away in the south west at sennen cove for anyone who knows it? and every where i went there was sit on top kayaks. Countless strapped to roof bars on the motorway, loads of surf shops selling them. There was loads of warehouse outlets just there for the summer season aswell. The sea was full of them, at one point there was more then there was surfers. What i really want to know is are they any fun because they are pretty cheap? my brother has one and ive paddled it on a lake, was a while ago so dont remember to much about it, it was just something to do at the time!

I dont remember sit on tops being this popular last year so i feel lke im missing out

Do i get one?


matt

SOT's are OK. My wife has one and we started out in them years ago. They tend to be good for women who aren't that serious about the sport because they are easier to get in and out of (I think it has something to do with hips--not trying to be sexist...wife is sitting right next to me and that's her story about it). They are also good for beginners period since they are...easier to get in and out of and they deal with the fear most beginners have of being trapped in the cockpit underwater (a baseless fear of course as we all know since you only stay in (sometimes at that) if you want to trying to roll (otherwise you slip out like a wet banana).

SOT's of course have their history and lineage in paddle boards---not kayaks at all.

They are HEAVY to a number and tend to plow the water like barges. So you aren't going to go as far nor as fast. And they usually aren't very maneuverable though I've been able to pull off some pretty decent turns on my wife's purple Temptation by Emotion Kayaks. Zippy little barge! But you can load them up (like a barge) with all kinds of gear and have a good time with them.

There were times I thought I might want one here in Florida because it gets so hot here. My SUP board took care of that. Nothing works for me like a sit-in-side personally. If they could ever make SOT's light and fast that would be interesting.

TBudd is correct in everything he says, but I would add that SOT's are fun to have around because you don't have to worry about anyone's skills or fears -- if they can swim, they can use a SOT. I like mine because it's basically a swim platform I can move around anywhere I want, and I'm not going to worry about swamping the boat or getting in and out of it. They're also great for kayak fishing. . . .

ok fellas i get what your sayin.

I thought i was missing summit real obvious, like i said ive only paddled one on a lake. so tbudd your saying there ok for the surf? i did see a wide range at the beach although not many small ones. i have a feeling that if i ask wether any1 manufacturers a small one ill just get told to buy a proper surf yak. lol

I dont have kids or anything, the missus isnt into paddling and im not really into doin the exploring thing so i probably wont get any benefits from one? right??? i mean i have a playboat so that will be better in the surf???

lol

It sounds like you're talking about a waveski. A cheaper option would be the Wilderness Systems/Dagger Kaos. www.dagger.com/product/index/product_hom...ring/kaos/kaos_10_2/

It is basically a surf-specific plastic SOT. A waveski would have better performance, but might not be as forgiving.

A Web site with a ton of information about sit-on-tops:

www.topkayaker.net/

ur playboat will be much better on the surf. you can do all sorts of stuff in a playboat on waves. i run kayaking sessions with SOT's and there good for bigginers. i dont think they are good for surf. they are ok TO surf but not good IN surf. when you come off in the surf you have a 20kg lump of plastic being hurled towards the beach. personally o wouldnt buy one because any thing you can do in a SOT you can do better in a proper kayak.

How about a Stand Up Paddleboard that has the option to become a sit on top Kayak ???? www.ridestride.com/store/product_info.ph...n6kkauh1bov1tuh7pgl5

sounds perfect for your neck of the woods ! it will be well worth it due to its dual purpose;)

it wud be more like a waveski.

yeah im not to sure about SUP'ing. Id like to give it a go but i suck on a surf board so i dont think id be to good. Bad ballancing skills, thats why i sit down in a kayak! lol

Matt