'Sit On Top' Kayaks

Article by Vicki Churchill

Since around the 1970s when rolomoulded kayaks were first developed kayaks can now be made to suit just about any tastes or requirement. Sit on top kayaks are possibly the most fashionable today with more people than ever buying them for their all round value and versatility.

More popular than ever is the sport of kayak fishing and sit on top kayaks have had a major influence in this pursuit. These boats are the perfect way to go kayak fishing due to the fact that sit on top kayaks are wide and very stable in the water. It is possible to choose a standing position when kayak fishing especially if an outrigger has been fitted. Furthermore, due to the width of these kayaks should you be unfortunate and fall in making a wet re entry should not be too difficult.

A sit on top traditionally floats very low and flat in the water and one drawback is they do not have much cargo room to store your kayak accessories unless this has been cut into the boat itself. Generally most sit on top kayaks would have a hole in the hull to allow for a fishing rod to be placed in. The majority of sit on top kayaks do however allow for bungee cords to be rigged allowing you to store your fishing tackle and other kayak accessories.

Together with Kayak fishing the sit on top has another significant use and that is for out and out fun! They make fantastic surfing kayaks and they are ideal for children as they are relatively easy to paddle and steady enough for novice kayakers.

If you invest in a sit on top kayak and take it down to the beach with you on a family beach day you will find it will amuse the kids for hours on end as they can play safely in the waves and also use it as a diving platform. Obviously, children especially around water will still require adult supervision.

Sit on top kayaks can be used by one or two paddlers and come in a variety of vivid and fun colours and also camouflaged if used for kayak fishing. Many sit on top kayaks do not have fitted kayak seats but do have the provisions to allow kayak seats to be fitted. You can also fit thigh straps which when used give greater manoeuvrability to the paddler allowing for sharp turns to be made when paddling and surfing.

If it is kayak fishing you are looking to do enabling you to get to places you would otherwise not be able to fish or simply a kayak for recreational purposes sit on top kayaks make an affordable and ideal purchase.

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