Sit on top kayaks are great for people who want to be able to stand up and fish, but there is a downside. The low weight capacity of sit-on-tops makes them less stable than the traditional sit-in kayak. You should consider purchasing a sit-in kayak if you want something more stable.
Do you ever feel you’re missing out on all the fun when you see people zipping around on their stand-up paddleboards? Well, we have good news for you! Kayaking is just as fun and has some significant advantages over SUPing. Here are the reasons why sitting in a kayak is better than sitting on a stand-up paddleboard:
When you’re kayaking, you can go solo or tandem. This means that you can either paddle by yourself or team up with a friend and paddle together. SUPing is a solo activity, so if you want to share the experience with someone, you’ll need to get two boards.
Sit on Top vs Sit-in Kayak Stability:
Sit-in kayaks are more stable because of the sealed deck.
If you have a sealable sit on top, draining water inside your boat will not be as easy.
Seat and foot braces can make a big difference when staying balanced too!
Sit-in kayaks are better for fishing because you can use your paddle to balance yourself.
This is not possible with sit on top kayak, so it will be harder to stay balanced while standing up and trying to fish simultaneously!
The weight capacity of a sit on top kayak is between 250 – 350 lbs, but most commonly around 200 lbs. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that they should consider how much weight they need to hold comfortably (which includes gear).
It’s one thing if you’re paddling around lakes or calm rivers with friends; however, many people head out into rougher waters where there might be waves or currents pushing against the boat to go with it.
Sit-in kayaks are better for rough waters because they can hold up to 500 lbs!
Sit on Top Kayaks pros:
You can only paddle the sit on kayaks sitting down. This is not an issue for some people, but if you want to stand or kneel while paddling, you will need a sit-in kayak.
Sit on Top Kayaks cons:
The low weight capacity of these boats makes them less stable than other options available. If you want something that offers more stability, you should consider purchasing one with a higher weight capacity, like a Sit-in kayak.
Which type do I choose?
The choice here depends on your priorities and what exactly you plan to use your boat for. If comfort isn’t essential to you and all that matters is finding.
Sit-in kayaks are great for people who want to try different paddling styles, such as kneeling and standing.
The weight capacity of sit-in kayaks is much larger than their sit-on-top counterparts, making them more stable when having multiple riders.
If you plan fishing while using your inflatable kayak, then a SOT may be better for you because it allows easy access to get out of the water without tipping over or upsetting your boat. However, if that is not something that will be important to you, purchasing a traditional kayak would likely be better suited for your needs.
Sit on tops are much more affordable than sit-in kayaks, making them an excellent choice for people on smaller budgets.
What are the benefits of kayaking over sit on Top kayak:
Kayaks are stable and easy to maneuver, which makes them an excellent option for beginners. SUPs can be tricky to get the hang of, especially if you’re new to paddling.
Kayaks provide more protection from the sun and wind than SUPs do. This is especially important if you plan on spending a lot of time on the water.
Kayaks have more storage space than SUPs, which is perfect for storing your gear and snacks.
Kayaks are easier to get in and out of than SUPs are. This is especially helpful if you’re not very flexible or have joint pain.
Kayaks are less expensive than SUPs.
Kayaking is a great exercise, and it’s much more fun than running on a treadmill or lifting weights at the gym.
When you’re kayaking, you can explore different waterways inaccessible to SUPers. This includes rivers, creeks, and even ocean waves.
Kayaking is a great way to see wildlife up close. Because kayaks are smaller and quieter than SUPs, you’re more likely to get close to animals without scaring them away.
Kayaking is perfect for camping trips. You can paddle to your campsite, set up camp, and then explore the area by kayak.