Using Sit On Top Kayaks

Like many paddlers, I used to consider Sit On Tops (SOT) as a lesser kayak, one for beginners and novices and this is true, to a point. 

The explosion of SUP is a fine example that simplicity is what many people are after when it comes to getting out and enjoying the waterways. SOT Kayaks have elements of simplicity and accessibility allowing people with limited experience to safely explore rivers, lakes, canals, and coastal waters without the ubiquitous "what if I get stuck in it upside down." It was for this reason that the early 2000s saw huge sales of these craft, in fact, aged 15 working at my local canoe shop I sold hundreds of these to families looking to have something they could take away on their summer camping trip. 

When I started working in the Ardeche I realised just how much brought whitewater kayaking to the masses. There is an enormous kayak hire industry out there with both solo and tandem models being paddled on grade two water by thousands of novice tourists every day. It was not uncommon to see people in their swimming costumes flipping over and climbing back on with a smile! Quite different from your average closed cockpit kayaker with no roll capsizing on grade two!

When TNR moved into Mile End Mill I wanted to harness this accessibility for our activity customers; I had a vision of complete novices enjoying the joys of whitewater (under instruction) but essentially doing everything that the 'real kayakers' do on an average River Dee Park n Play session. They'd run the same features, make the same eddies, and surf the same waves. The only difference being of they capsized they could just climb back on rather than being hampered by the complications of spraydecks, heavy Kayaks full of water, and the faff and effort of emptying them. This session remains my favourite one to run and customers always go away beaming! Some may never kayak again but they've felt that buzz and will never forget it.

Whilst Sit-On-Tops historically have been designed for the recreational market and have been made with stability and simplicity in mind they have often had the option to accessorise. Adding thigh straps for performance and backrests for comfort along with all sorts of fancy gadgets for kayak anglers. Some brands also have pedal-powered fins as an alternative form of propulsion. 

There have also been some more recent developments towards more whitewater-oriented designs from some well-known brands like Pyranha whose Fusion SOT takes all of the versatility of the closed cockpit model of the same name and adds stability and freedom from entrapment.

Although SOT Kayaks are inherently safer than closed cockpit kayaks they still take us into environments with their own risks. Paddlers should still take and wear equipment appropriate to the environment; Wearing a suitable Buoyancy Aid or PFD is essential as well as clothing suitable for the weather conditions and water temperature. Users on rivers should consider a helmet.

All water journeys need an element of planning and environmental awareness. Paddlers should take into consideration wind speed and direction for open water, tide times and patterns for coastal journeys, and water levels and difficulty for river paddling. Information on these can be found in guidebooks, online, and through courses and formal training.

Paddlers venturing out of very sheltered water for the first time should practice what to do in the event of a capsize and have a (waterproof) means of calling for help.

Don't let these things put you off however, paddling a SOT kayak can very quickly let you access that beach, island, or rapid that you've always dreamed of.

Your first port of call should be your local paddlesport retailer who can point you in the right direction for everything.