Kayak Basis

Some of the most common questions we receive from prospective new kayak buyers are " should I get a sit-in or sit-on style kayak?” What is the difference? what works best in waters ? Which one is easier to handle or faster?

Lots of questions, Not a lot of easy answers since each person is different and there are so many different paddling environments in different countries. To help answer the questions, I've prepared this quick comparison for those interested in Sit-In Kayak(SINKS) and Sit-On-Top Kayaks(SOTS).

Overview of Styles

For those people interested in Sit-In Kayaks(SINKS) and Sit-On-Top Kayaks(SOTS).

SINS(sit-in) kayaks generally have a more efficient design; they are frequently longer and narrower ,making them easier to paddle and faster. With a SINK, as the name says, you sit in the boat and are lower to the water. Almost all have a raised rim around the cockpit where you can attach a spray skirt to seal you into the boat. This is useful for keeping water out of the boat and allowing you to paddle all four seasons as you'll stay relatively dry and warm. Most SINKs also have dry storage areas to keep your equipment nice and dry. Most people when they think of a kayak, they think of the sit-in style.

SOTS(sit-on) kayaks are relative newcomers to the kayaking scene. They are, as the name goes, a kayak that you sit-on-top. SOTS are every popular with those who like to play in the surf or go fishing since they are easy to get in and out of. SOTS are also usually every stable kayaks and some of them you can actually stand up in the boat. To gain this stability SOTS are short and wide, making them less efficient at long distance and slower than sit-in boats. When you do get water in your SOT, it will drain out of holes in the bottom so there is no need to bail out water and no worrying about swamping the boat.