What Are the Advantages or Disadvantages of Sit-In versus Sit-on-Top Kayaks?

Sit-in kayaks and sit-on-top kayaks differ primarily, as the name implies, in the seating position of the kayaker. Both types of kayaks have their advantages and disadvantages depending on your level of expertise, body size, flexibility and the type of kayaking you intend to do. Choose the best kayak for you based on your specific needs.

  1. Speed and Maneuverability

    • Sit-in kayaks are generally longer and thinner than sit-on-top kayaks. This translates to greater speed and ease of paddling meaning you will travel longer distances quicker and easier. Choose a sit-in kayak if you plan to travel long distances and wish to do so relatively quickly.

      Sit-on-top kayaks, though, due to their shorter length are usually more maneuverable in the water. This shorter length also makes them easier to get on and off cars, in and out of trailers and to and from the sea.

    Comfort

    • People with long legs or limited movement in their knees often enjoy the greater space available on a sit-on-top kayak as do those who like the option of a back support. In addition, there is little feeling of the claustrophobia some people feel in a sit-in kayak.

      You are more exposed to the elements in a sit-on-top kayak, however. This means that you will probably get wetter in a sit-on-top kayak as well as colder or hotter depending on the weather.

    Stability

    • Generally speaking sit-on-top kayaks have more stability than sit-in kayaks. To achieve this they have been made shorter and wider, so much so that you can actually stand up in some sit-on-top kayaks. This greater stability means a much lower chance of capsizing the kayak.

      Should you wish to snorkel or swim from the kayak, you will, after a little practice, be able to re-board a sit-on-top kayak without capsizing it.

    Safety

    • Sit-on-top kayaks are safer for the novice due to the absence of a spray skirt which, in a sit-in kayak, keeps water out. A novice may have trouble removing this skirt should he capsize and become trapped in their kayak.

      In addition, where as a sit-in Kayak may become so water-logged it sinks, sit-on-top kayaks do not.

    Kayak Fishing

    • A sit-on-top kayak is far more suitable for fishing from than a sit-in kayak. There is less danger of capsizing when casting or playing a fish due to the greater stability. Moreover, a sit-on-top kayak has a larger deck area meaning there is more space to strap and store fishing equipment and, hopefully, fish.