When choosing a kayak, you will need to decide between a sit-inside and a sit-on-top model. The best way to find a kayak that's right for you is to paddle it, but you can narrow your options by learning ahead of time what kind of boat suits the kind of kayaking you hope to do. If a test run is not possible, you should at least sit in or on any kayak you are considering for purchase or for an outing.
Definition
With a sit-inside kayak, your legs rest under the deck of the boat. The size of the cockpit varies depending on the type of kayak. Recreational kayaks, for example, tend to be wide and roomy while whitewater kayak cockpits are smaller and tighter. In contrast, the cockpit of a sit-on-top kayak is indented in the shape of a seat but completely open to the air and water. It is designed to allow water to flow easily off the boat.
Types
The three major kayak types -- recreational, sea or touring and whitewater -- all come with a sit-on-top or sit-inside option. All of these options are suitable for beginners and are a matter of personal preference. One style does not tend to be less expensive than another; cost depends on other design features and materials. If you want an inflatable kayak, you will find limited options with the sit-inside design. This is likely to change as technologies evolve and new materials become available to kayak manufacturers.
Sit-on-Top Features
Sit-on-top kayaks are easy to exit and enter, making them ideal for outings that combine boating with swimming or snorkeling. This feature, however, best suits them to hot-weather paddling in warm waters. Sit-on-top kayaks are more likely to flip than sit-inside boats, but you can easily climb back on top, even from deep water. People who feel anxious with their legs under the deck of a boat might want to experiment with this style.
Sit-Inside Features
A sit-inside kayak is more stable on the water, meaning it is less likely to flip. If you do flip, however, the kayak will quickly fill with water. To get back inside, you will either have to swim it to shore or learn how to empty it using learned rescue techniques. With a sit-inside kayak, you also have the option to use a spray skirt, a waterproofing accessory that attaches to the cockpit rim, sealing the paddler in. Spray skirts help keep paddlers warm and dry, which is something to consider if you want to paddle long trips or during cooler weather. You also will need a spray skirt if you hope to learn the Eskimo roll, an intermediate skill used by those who paddle whitewater and deep waters far from shore.
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