Sit-on-Top kayak

If you love kayaking as much as I do. Having your own kayak is crucial, it means you can go kayaking whenever you want. A kayak is not an inexpensive purchase. So, you probably need more time to search for this topic. Unfortunately, there is no single kayak can fit in all the conditions. And it’s also impossible for people to buy multiple types of kayaks at the very beginning. So, you’ll have to make some decisions on what kind of kayak is best for you right now.

 

For me, it is very hard to tell which kayak is BEST. They all have their pros and cons. But the first choice has to be made is probably choosing between a sit-on-top kayak or a sit-in kayak. Let’s talk about their difference.

 

The sit-inside kayak is the traditional kayak. A recreational sit-in is often about 12 feet long or less (basically comparable in size to a typical sit-on-top) and has a bigger cockpit. It usually has more room in the hull for storing equipment which can handle a short multi-day trip.

 

One downside of the Sit-inside kayak is that you don’t have the same freedom to move in and out of the water because the cockpit is often more enclosed comparing to a sit-on-top kayak. And if you do flip for some reason, recovery is a complicated process because your kayak will likely be filled with water.

 

On the other hand, a sit-on-top kayak is probably the easiest craft for learning basic kayaking skills. It is more user-friendly, easy to get in and out of the water due to the design of the cockpit. You won’t feel any confinement on them.

 

The huge advantage of the sit-on-top kayak for the beginner is that it has the bailing system which can remove the water easily. It makes the recovery process way more simple. All these features make the sit-on-top kayak a great choice for the rookie kayaker.

 

A small issue of the sit-on-top kayak is you will get wet no matter how careful you are. So, it probably not suitable for cold weather. But you can always put your drysuit on.

 

 


 

So, in this post, I will recommend you a sit-on-top kayak. And my priority is stable(very important for a rookie) then price, durable, style etc…

 

The first kayak I got is the Lifetime Lotus Sit-On-Top Kayak(with Paddle), I first see it at Walmart but I buy it online at the Amazon.

 

I purchased one 3 years ago and I recommend to many of my friends. Because I found it extremely sturdy in the water and it is very comfortable. I had no problems maneuvering and casting my rod.

 

Is it a professional kayak? I don’t think so, but It is a very very stable kayak for leisure paddling. And that makes it my best recommendation for a kayak beginner. 

 

One issue you might need to note is that when you run into waves or paddling in the windy conditions, you will most likely get wet(you probably already know that.). When you get water on the kayak, it drains out through the scupper holes automatically.

 

The holes at the back seem to drain a little bit slowly. If you want to keep all your stuff dry you will need a dry bag. And just like all the sit-on-top kayak. I have jumped off and climbed back on this kayak without any trouble.

 

About the pricing. I would not say it has a killer price. But it is much cheaper than most of the sit-on-top kayaks. They are well worth the price I paid for them and I’m pretty sure that they are much more durable than some of the expensive kayaks my friends bought.

 

And it comes with paddle, you don’t have to spend time and money to buy another paddle. That’s really cool for a beginner. One last thing is they can stand itself, so you can put it in your condo or garage without any extra hanger(really save a lot of money.)  and they also have the bundle sale that if you buying two at a time, they give you more discount.

 

 

Product Features from Lifetime.com

  • UV-Protected High-Density Polyethylene Construction
  • Molded Paddle Cradle
  • Hull Design Provides Ultra Stability and Great Tracking
  • Multiple Footrest Positions for Different Size Paddlers
  • Front and Rear T-Handles for Easy Transport
  • Self-Bailing Scupper Holes to Drain Water from the Cockpit and Tankwell
  • Kayak Paddle Included
  • 5-Year Limited Warranty
  • Tankwell Storage with Bungee Cord Lacing to Secure Loose Items
  • Adjustable Quick Release Seat Back for Comfort
  • Center Carry Handle for Easy Transport to Waterfront

See more features on Amazon.com.