Check out my new UA-cam channel! www.youtube.com/@KenWhitingAdventures is now the place to find all my paddling adventure videos, while PaddleTV will focus on Instruction and Gear Reviews.
Let's be honest, once you try your first kayak, you're gonna want one of every kind! I got my first kayak a week ago, the lifetime tahoma, the cheap one from Walmart. I took it to the local lake and I was immediately hooked! I LOVE my kayak! But, as soon as I got home, I was looking on FB marketplace for a sit inside and a canoe to I can take my large dog with me! It was an immediate addiction, I've been listening to Paddle TV while at work, daydreaming of the kayaks I want and now I can drive past a puddle without thinking, "can I kayak there?!" This channel has been super helpful in teaching me all the kayak things!!! Thanks Paddle TV!!
Great video. As a tall big guy, I was concerned about getting a sit-in but you guys help me make up my mind, especially since I'm really not into fishing
You've answered the question for me.. Rather, it's something i have been considering for a while. That is.. Upgrade to a sit-in for better performance and usability, for overnight camping trips.
Love my sit on top kyak ,I have the old town 120, plenty of storage. Take it back country camping all the time, just had to invest in a good wet bag for my gear.
I did a 13 mile paddle with a VERY tall (like, 5'20") friend yesterday... he was on a SOT made by the same manufacturer as my boat. Both boats are significant steps up from big-box store selections. When I really hit my stride (not racing, but "covering distance" efficiently), I could hear his hull behind me making a huge wake, and he was huffing and puffing. He's probably more fit than I am overall, but his boat was holding him back. His boat just became a wave generator above a certain speed. When we got back to the ramp, I asked if he wanted to try my boat with the footpegs maxed out... he'd told me before that he "knew" that he wouldn't fit, so he'd never tried it. Entry was, well... interesting. His femurs are far longer than the cockpit was designed for. There's just no question about that. But, once he got folded into the boat, he was quite comfortable. His exit from the boat was similarly awkward, but managed without incident. But he was still (understandably) worried about what would happen if he ended up wrong-side up while paddling. I tried to imagine a wet-exit from that boat if I was as long as he is, and I really don't know the answer. He might just fold up and fall out, but, maybe not! My (slightly tongue-in-cheek) solution was that he just learn to roll, but, short of that, what's an extremely tall person to do if he/she wants to use a real performance kayak?
Thank you for this video. I am in the UK and we bought a narrowboat to go on the canals a year ago. There are always people kayaking on the canals and I want to get one. I tried it at a local lake today and loved it. As a complete novice who favours stability over performance I can see that a sit on top would best for me. Thank you.
I'm surprised you didn't mention loading a kayak in the bed of a pickup with the tailgate up. We have a 10 foot kayak and putting it in on an angle raises the boat up and out of the way. That way you can load paddles, fire wood, etc. No red flag needed and you don't have to worry about somebody backing up and hitting the boat.
Over in GB we get less SOT with the additional higher seat and more are like the Perception Scooter or Gemini for the 2 seater where you do still sit low and they are what the choice is normally between. I think in the US a lot of SOT are designed for angling use so higher freeboard, wider and harder to get back on. Sit in side is blurred as you showed towards the end as some have such an open cockpit you cant roll. To me its hard calling a kayak a sit inside if you can't actually brace your knees to edge and fit a spray deck that you can roll with. So there is a very grey area between the two. Again it may not apply in your area, but you didn't mention protection from the elements. I can paddle a sit inside in shorts on days where a sit on top would need warmer/waterproof trousers. The main thing is to have fun with what you get.
Great video! Thanks for the info. My boyfriend goes fishing and just bought a sit on top kayak. I want to get a kayak too, but want one more for performance as I won’t really be fishing. I am leaning toward the sit inside and will get lessons too.😊
Most important question. Will you use it exclusively for summer, or all year? Can't put a skirt on a sit on! That's why I went with a sit in. I love cool weather paddling!
Very good point ! I’m a fair weather kayaker but I’m thinking about changing that . So many beautiful pictures of winter kayak ventures sure looks tempting :)
Both... Just bought a sit on top for this coming winter (more stability, easier to get on if I take a swim) for easy paddles on a river. I'll take out the sit inside in Spring for long distance kayaking on a large lake.
This question is asked so many times on my local FB groups. I really appreciate how well you addressed it. It's nice to be able to simply drop a link to one of your videos when I see questions like this. I found your channel when I was brand new and it was really helpful. I enjoy how you have content for both beginners and experienced kayakers.
Both my mom and I are wanting to get a kayak, I was originally thinking getting a sit on top for me and a sit in for her. Now I know I should get the sit in type, and she'll enjoy the sit on type best. Thanks for the video.
I use both. Sometimes I just want a quick, warm weather paddle on small water and use SOT which, in my case, is smaller and lighter. For big or cold water or long trips I take my Tsunami 145.
I rent out kayaks and canoes and SUPs at a lake near my home and we offer both types of kayaks. If the person is fishing or really doesn’t want to risk getting wet, I set them up with a sit-on top while everyone else usually goes for the sit-ins.
I'm a spearfisherman. I have to be able to anchor, gear up, get in, and get out of the water with gear. Only SOT allows this flexibility. For overnight camping and longer range trips, I have a Cobra Tourer... the best touring SOT in the world.
I remember at a youth camp to qualify to use a canoe you had be able to swap the canoe get it up right, climb back in and get it to shore. Not a bad practice with a new to you kayak.
100% agree! For people who don't do that, and don't determine whether or not they CAN do it, they need to stick close enough to shore so that they can swim to safety in the case of a capsize.
I'm ready to buy a kayak but have been wanting one for 6+ years. I like to camp and possibly go kayaking on the lake or rivers going through Kansas or Missouri. My dilemma has typically been one or two kayaks or tandem sit on top or sit inside. Want to kayak with son who is 11 but had the same dilemma with older son who is now 20. We went on scout trip and just used rental kayaks and canoes. I like the option to take a cooler store plenty of water , Gatorade, food etc. I have a Toyota 4runner but need a way to haul 2 kayaks. It would mostly be just me needing to move it myself but I've seen wheel sets that can be used for hauling sit on top kayaks to the water. I'm 6'3" and 220 and want something safe for my son and me. And mostly level 1 water maybe occasionally level 2 but 99.9% slow moving water. Aka scout trip with very leisurely ride down the river stopping to swim eat fish whatever. I've looked at then12 foot sit inside kayak wilderness systems Punto 1w that's in your other recent video. I've also looked at vanhunks or vibe sit on top kayaks. Almost wonder if I need one of each. Or ? Any recommendations on brands or where to shop at? I hate the cheapo pelicans I see at big box stores. Of course some can get into rudders pedal power etc. Suggestions for car carriers on roof to haul that can fold down but also hold enough weight for 2 kayaks. GuessING 150 lbs for 2 kayaks plus or minus based on type.
I’m 73. I’m hooked on kayaking I’ve rented. I have ordered and am waiting for an Origami Paddler. Wish you could do a review of them. Fold up and keep in car or van. I live in a second floor apt. So only option. Not looking for speed just slowly wandering on still waters. 😃
I borrowed a friends sit inside kayak and fell in love with kayak fishing. I noticed most fishermen used sit on top kayaks though. When it was time to buy my own i finally talked the wife into it. I chose the pelican premium icon 100xp angler. Going from the sit inside kayak to this one has been a huge change. This one feels like one wrong move and im going in the lake. Super unstable. It also dosent track nearly as straight as the sit inside one. Obviously i cant return it. Im looking to sell it though now possibly as it just dosent feel nearly as good. Any advice on this subject. Obviously a high end kayak would give a better experience. Im just upset my first kayak purchase has gone like this. William Oliver
@@bart2u sold it on Craigslist and bought a pelican very similar to the loaner I had before. Sit inside is the way to go if your going inexpensive. Center if gravity is lower and has way more stability. As well as tracks straight and is quick through the water. Pelican maxim 100x angler is what i have now and for 350 I absolutely love it
I was going to get a sink but then opted for a sot so I can snorkel from it aswell. Going to do day paddles around the UK coast. Got an RTM midway which is a very fast and highly capable kayak.
Well, this shows the difference between a classic "sea kayak" and a "fishing kayak". My sit on top Nelo 510 plastic surfski has better performance than, I would guess, all sea kayaks on the market: safer, more speed, bailer etc. Just want to add the surfski since not mentioned here. Otherwise, thanks for a great overview!
Any thoughts to doing a video on surf skis? I often see sit on top kayaks in paddle tv but never see skis. In my case i dont like sit-on due to the weight and own several sea kayaks and added a surf ski. Thanks! Great video as usual
Good point. I would love to have an excuse to paddle a surf ski more often! I'm too far from the surf... except for the river surf, and a whitewater kayak makes more sense here. Hopefully I'll get a chance to some surf ski videos this season...
Good comparison. Can you compare a hobie mirage drive kayak with a sit in kayak of equivalent value and do a comparison of those two kayaks? The mirage drive changes the performance equation because they can be faster than a light sit in kayak. You get the comfort, stability plus the mirage drive can be faster.
I have different views on sit on top will slower than sit in such as stellar s14, which looks like a Surfski but more stable with storage for touring, the only I complain is I can’t find tandem version with similar design : speed / comfort / stability
I use both I have used both SI and SOT for rec and WW, I run a club of kayakers, I will say the SOT is better for rescue of paddler and kayaks, and my dog loves the SOT.
@@happydogg312 Patrick is 60lbs, my service Dog, when I pull out the kayak, SI or SO, he jumps in, and just takes in the adventure, I have ordered an Cronin Ugly Duck for our WW adventures.
First thing I consider is on one knee problems .Sat in and on both Knee problems I had a hard time getting out of the sit in all most had to roll it on it`s side to get out . Sit on no problem getting off of it So that made my decision for me to get a sit on top lots of leg room and easy to get off of it
I'm picking up four 10' sit-on (7 nephews & nieces) and a 16' single ocean sit-in kayaks tomorrow. My only thought is how to mod it into a tri/pent-maran hydrofoil with the 16' as the core even though I don't know how to swim. LOL.
I'm on hulls #6 & #7. Choices for different purposes. #2 was for cave exploration and floats today inside one. #4 had 8 meter marine kite pull. #5 did sea touring between nations. I only fish for guns with a magnet on #6. Had a purpose yet ?
I'm hung up on which one to get. I have always had sit on top Jackson kayaks and Hobie. I found a used but hardly used Jackson kayak Kraken 15.5 and I used to fish a lot but now not so much but I have always wanted to get a touring kayak and I have been looking at the wilderness systems Tempest 170. They say the Kraken at 15.5 feet has great glide and good speed for a sit on top but probably not as good as the Tempest 170. Wondering if anyone has experience with either of these yaks? Also I am 6'6" tall and 36" inseam and size 13 shoes.
Any recommendations for a kayak to be used on lake, river (fairly calm), AND ocean? for ocean it will mainly be used in a bay/channel, so the waves don't get too big. i will be using it mainly for fishing and pulling crab nets. I'm thinking something with space, but not too wide and slow. Thanks.
Sit on top is best for older folks, getting in and out is harder than getting on and off. I have had 4 kayaks over the years, 2 sit in and 2 sit on, now have a skipjack90, may go to a 10 ft but for now 9ft. Is good enough.
I’m 53 and looking for something I can do with my 15 yo daughter. I never liked canoes as a kid. They felt unstable. I’m not really a water guy but the tranquility and easy going pace of kayaking creeks and tributaries is appealing to me. My biggest concern is stability. I’m 6 feet tall and 215 lbs. Sitting on top seems like a high COG. Sitting inside seems like I’ll be stuck if I tip or take on water. I have a trailer so loading it won’t be an issue. Any recommendations? Also, are there apps that can help me navigate waterways?
You have LOTS to choose from. Most sit-on-top kayaks are designed to be super stable, despite the higher COG. In fact, many sit-on-tops are designed to be stood in. Check out my review of the Wilderness Systems Targa 100 (video releases today). This is a good example of a quality, affordable SOT kayak. As for sit-inside... check out the Liquidlogic Saluda review that I did ua-cam.com/video/OoRvDvSBMwc/v-deo.html , or the Wilderness Systems Pungo ua-cam.com/video/JxltHqHfECo/v-deo.html Both are very stable and fun kayaks to paddle, with no risk of getting stuck if you happen to flip somehow. If avoiding flipping is the biggest concern, check out the the Bonafide EX123 ua-cam.com/video/fumMmZi5wLE/v-deo.html
I carry my SOT on my shoulder lol. It's not small either it's an ocean kayak p13. I don't disagree though, for some it's not an option. I'm cutting my teeth on a SOT but want to upgrade to a sit in maybe in a year or so.
What’s the best for photography from a kayak? I have a sit in and go out once a week or so for wildlife and nature photography. I am considering a sit on top for better stability, tracking, and potentially adding a tripod/camera mount
Sounds like a fishing sit on top with a peddle drive would be great for what you want to do. They're very stable have lots of places to attach gear and the peddles would free your hands up for taking photos.
I've done a ton of filming from kayaks. Here's my feeling... A sit-on-top is a great platform for filming because it's stable. I've done most of my filming from sit-on-tops and have liked it. Pedal kayaks are great too, because the keep your hands free, although I usually still have a paddle in my lap to fine tune my kayak's position for shots (not easy to do with pedals). That being said, I feel that my gear is a bit more protected when I'm in a super stable sit-inside kayak. I used to love filming out of the Wilderness Systems Commander, which was a kayak/canoe hybrid. Now, I think the Bonafide EX123 might be my favourite filming boat for flatwater conditions. That being said, it's hard to go wrong with either. The biggest things you want are stability, and something that isn't too short or 'turny', as the wind will spin you in circles as you try to get your shot.
@@PaddleTV I have watched your review of the ex123 three times lol. I currently have an old town vapor . While paddle I enjoy it, but the minute I stop paddling the boat goes sideways making to difficult to get the shot I originally had in mind
Why can't you guys compare the feel free sit inside kayak to something like an RTM disco or a RTM midway sot kayaks, as they are very similar to a true sea kayak, rather than the native which is nothing like a sea kayak, it's more like a barge? Thanks..
With market preference being what it is, performance composite touring kayaks may be gone in a few years. Not enough people want to do the multi-day 50 mile tour anymore to keep the segment alive. Everyone just wants to fish or spend a single day on the water.
I agree that serious touring and WW are both extremely niche now that fishing and recreation kayaking has exploded but I think that enough of the people introduced into paddling via recreation or fishing will get hooked enough to want to up their game and take on more challenging conditions which requires better equipment.
@@joshinfwtx4506 Hopefully you're right. WW fits the current one day preference. Touring does not. At least Canada cherishes its canoe heritage. Canoes have been slipping for decades in the US. The really sad part about fishing kayaks is how many people use a motor.
My very first paddling experience was a canoe at summer camp. 30 years later I was reintroduce via an emotion spitfire 8. That little sot got my hooked, 2 short years later I have a 12.5 sit in for year round paddling and am in process of learning WW.
Not really the case here in Norway. Fishing and sit on tops are a rear sight. It's mostly sea-kayaks, surfskis. Granted many of the surfskis are more of a open top sea-kayak.
@@2testtest2 That's comforting to know. Another popular product from the past has all but disappeared. Folding boats like Klepper used to be seen quite often on trains in Germany and became popular in the US from the 1950s to the 1970s. Those boats could last for 30-50 years. Now it's mostly plastic boats and those start breaking down much sooner.
Do a knee or thigh brace video for sit on tops. They might be the answer to someone's decision regarding inside or on-top. Good channel. Thanks . Try rolling a sit- on kayak with knee braces for our entertainment value. OK?
Not at all. That would be like saying that if you want to drive, you need to buy a luxury sports car. There are lots of options for fishing kayaks from highly economical, to very expensive. Of course, the more you spend, the more specialized the kayak will be.
While you could add a wheel to some kayaks that have the right shape at the stern, you will need to drill holes below or near the waterline. That is a recipe for leakage. While silicone will help, I wouldn't do it myself. The better choice would be to get a kayak cart, which quickly attaches and detaches to your kayak. Check out www.suspenz.com for a variety of options for different kayaks.
Yup. I'm a no-feather guy now. I don't feel strongly that it's the 'best' way to go. I just like it best. I do feel that for most people, there's no need to have more than 30 degrees of feather.
What kind of paddling do you want to do? Flatwater? Rough water? fishing? A great flatwater sit-inside kayak for larger paddlers, which carries good speed is the Wilderness Systems Pungo 125. It's nice and fast, but also stable. The downside is that it can't handle rough water, but that may not matter to you. Hope that helps?
You can go camping with a sit-on-top, although it's not ideal. Some sit-on-tops provide hatches to store your gear inside the kayak. This is a great option, because otherwise, all your gear needs to be stored on top of the kayak, which makes the kayak a little top heavy.
I got to give you credit for keeping a straight face through all of this. A man of your caliper giving a review on these low end boats is like a race car driver going from a formula 1 race car to a Trabent 601. I hope they're paying you well to paddle these lackluster boats.
A caliper is a device used to measure the dimensions of an object. It is also 'lacklustre' and 'racing car'. If you are going to act like a know-all at least learn to spell.
Check out my new UA-cam channel! www.youtube.com/@KenWhitingAdventures is now the place to find all my paddling adventure videos, while PaddleTV will focus on Instruction and Gear Reviews.
Let's be honest, once you try your first kayak, you're gonna want one of every kind!
I got my first kayak a week ago, the lifetime tahoma, the cheap one from Walmart. I took it to the local lake and I was immediately hooked!
I LOVE my kayak! But, as soon as I got home, I was looking on FB marketplace for a sit inside and a canoe to I can take my large dog with me!
It was an immediate addiction, I've been listening to Paddle TV while at work, daydreaming of the kayaks I want and now I can drive past a puddle without thinking, "can I kayak there?!"
This channel has been super helpful in teaching me all the kayak things!!!
Thanks Paddle TV!!
Just wait till you try one with a rudder or if you find a kayak sail... yup you'll be worse than hooked.
It may have not answered the question but I still learned.
went with the lifetime sit on top, very stable , gets enough speed and turns well on a lake
Great video. As a tall big guy, I was concerned about getting a sit-in but you guys help me make up my mind, especially since I'm really not into fishing
You've answered the question for me.. Rather, it's something i have been considering for a while. That is.. Upgrade to a sit-in for better performance and usability, for overnight camping trips.
Love my sit on top kyak ,I have the old town 120, plenty of storage. Take it back country camping all the time, just had to invest in a good wet bag for my gear.
Best comparison review I've seen . Nice job . I'm currently in the market for a kayak, and this will help me tremendously to decide . Thank you .
First time buyer and this was VERY helpful thank you so, so much!
I did a 13 mile paddle with a VERY tall (like, 5'20") friend yesterday... he was on a SOT made by the same manufacturer as my boat. Both boats are significant steps up from big-box store selections. When I really hit my stride (not racing, but "covering distance" efficiently), I could hear his hull behind me making a huge wake, and he was huffing and puffing. He's probably more fit than I am overall, but his boat was holding him back. His boat just became a wave generator above a certain speed.
When we got back to the ramp, I asked if he wanted to try my boat with the footpegs maxed out... he'd told me before that he "knew" that he wouldn't fit, so he'd never tried it.
Entry was, well... interesting. His femurs are far longer than the cockpit was designed for. There's just no question about that. But, once he got folded into the boat, he was quite comfortable. His exit from the boat was similarly awkward, but managed without incident.
But he was still (understandably) worried about what would happen if he ended up wrong-side up while paddling.
I tried to imagine a wet-exit from that boat if I was as long as he is, and I really don't know the answer. He might just fold up and fall out, but, maybe not!
My (slightly tongue-in-cheek) solution was that he just learn to roll, but, short of that, what's an extremely tall person to do if he/she wants to use a real performance kayak?
Excellent videos! You are my go to channel for everything paddling related.
Thank you for this video. I am in the UK and we bought a narrowboat to go on the canals a year ago. There are always people kayaking on the canals and I want to get one. I tried it at a local lake today and loved it. As a complete novice who favours stability over performance I can see that a sit on top would best for me. Thank you.
I'm surprised you didn't mention loading a kayak in the bed of a pickup with the tailgate up. We have a 10 foot kayak and putting it in on an angle raises the boat up and out of the way. That way you can load paddles, fire wood, etc. No red flag needed and you don't have to worry about somebody backing up and hitting the boat.
Over in GB we get less SOT with the additional higher seat and more are like the Perception Scooter or Gemini for the 2 seater where you do still sit low and they are what the choice is normally between. I think in the US a lot of SOT are designed for angling use so higher freeboard, wider and harder to get back on. Sit in side is blurred as you showed towards the end as some have such an open cockpit you cant roll. To me its hard calling a kayak a sit inside if you can't actually brace your knees to edge and fit a spray deck that you can roll with. So there is a very grey area between the two. Again it may not apply in your area, but you didn't mention protection from the elements. I can paddle a sit inside in shorts on days where a sit on top would need warmer/waterproof trousers. The main thing is to have fun with what you get.
Great video! Thanks for the info. My boyfriend goes fishing and just bought a sit on top kayak. I want to get a kayak too, but want one more for performance as I won’t really be fishing. I am leaning toward the sit inside and will get lessons too.😊
Most important question. Will you use it exclusively for summer, or all year? Can't put a skirt on a sit on! That's why I went with a sit in. I love cool weather paddling!
Very beneficial comment, thank you!
Very good point !
I’m a fair weather kayaker but I’m thinking about changing that . So many beautiful pictures of winter kayak ventures sure looks tempting :)
SOT works fine in the cold with a dry suit
To be fair I also prefer a sit inside kayak for summer - it's really easy to shield your legs from the sun
Both... Just bought a sit on top for this coming winter (more stability, easier to get on if I take a swim) for easy paddles on a river. I'll take out the sit inside in Spring for long distance kayaking on a large lake.
This question is asked so many times on my local FB groups. I really appreciate how well you addressed it. It's nice to be able to simply drop a link to one of your videos when I see questions like this. I found your channel when I was brand new and it was really helpful. I enjoy how you have content for both beginners and experienced kayakers.
Thanks Josh! I appreciate the good words, and it's great to hear it helped when you were getting started!
both one for summer the other for cooler weather
Buy both! I use sit on for fishing and sit in for rapids and shallow water
Ha! Both is definitely ideal!
Both my mom and I are wanting to get a kayak, I was originally thinking getting a sit on top for me and a sit in for her. Now I know I should get the sit in type, and she'll enjoy the sit on type best. Thanks for the video.
My pleasure! Safe paddles.
I use both. Sometimes I just want a quick, warm weather paddle on small water and use SOT which, in my case, is smaller and lighter. For big or cold water or long trips I take my Tsunami 145.
I rent out kayaks and canoes and SUPs at a lake near my home and we offer both types of kayaks. If the person is fishing or really doesn’t want to risk getting wet, I set them up with a sit-on top while everyone else usually goes for the sit-ins.
I'm a spearfisherman. I have to be able to anchor, gear up, get in, and get out of the water with gear. Only SOT allows this flexibility. For overnight camping and longer range trips, I have a Cobra Tourer... the best touring SOT in the world.
I would say you answered it for me: A sit-in kayak is what I want.
Take your FREE online ACA Paddlesports safety course here: americancanoe.org/paddlesports-online-course/
Thank you for the explanation! My experience is mainly with canoes and I'm thinking the sit on top's would be good for my kids. Good video!
I remember at a youth camp to qualify to use a canoe you had be able to swap the canoe get it up right, climb back in and get it to shore. Not a bad practice with a new to you kayak.
100% agree! For people who don't do that, and don't determine whether or not they CAN do it, they need to stick close enough to shore so that they can swim to safety in the case of a capsize.
I'm ready to buy a kayak but have been wanting one for 6+ years. I like to camp and possibly go kayaking on the lake or rivers going through Kansas or Missouri. My dilemma has typically been one or two kayaks or tandem sit on top or sit inside. Want to kayak with son who is 11 but had the same dilemma with older son who is now 20. We went on scout trip and just used rental kayaks and canoes. I like the option to take a cooler store plenty of water , Gatorade, food etc. I have a Toyota 4runner but need a way to haul 2 kayaks. It would mostly be just me needing to move it myself but I've seen wheel sets that can be used for hauling sit on top kayaks to the water. I'm 6'3" and 220 and want something safe for my son and me. And mostly level 1 water maybe occasionally level 2 but 99.9% slow moving water. Aka scout trip with very leisurely ride down the river stopping to swim eat fish whatever. I've looked at then12 foot sit inside kayak wilderness systems Punto 1w that's in your other recent video. I've also looked at vanhunks or vibe sit on top kayaks. Almost wonder if I need one of each. Or ? Any recommendations on brands or where to shop at? I hate the cheapo pelicans I see at big box stores. Of course some can get into rudders pedal power etc. Suggestions for car carriers on roof to haul that can fold down but also hold enough weight for 2 kayaks. GuessING 150 lbs for 2 kayaks plus or minus based on type.
Very well done- makes the decision process much clearer. Thank you!
I really enjoy your videos...
Glad to hear it! Cheers,
I pick my kayak (a Malibu mini X) because it’s only 18kgs, a sit on top kayak I can carry to the beach from my roof racks for fishing 🥰🐶
I prefer a sit-in kayak with closed bow storage compartment combined with an open stern storage, something more like a hybrid kayak
I’m 73. I’m hooked on kayaking I’ve rented. I have ordered and am waiting for an Origami Paddler. Wish you could do a review of them. Fold up and keep in car or van. I live in a second floor apt. So only option. Not looking for speed just slowly wandering on still waters. 😃
I would like to review that kayak. Would be great to hear what you think of it!
Excellent video! Helped me so much.🎉
I borrowed a friends sit inside kayak and fell in love with kayak fishing. I noticed most fishermen used sit on top kayaks though. When it was time to buy my own i finally talked the wife into it. I chose the pelican premium icon 100xp angler. Going from the sit inside kayak to this one has been a huge change. This one feels like one wrong move and im going in the lake. Super unstable. It also dosent track nearly as straight as the sit inside one. Obviously i cant return it. Im looking to sell it though now possibly as it just dosent feel nearly as good. Any advice on this subject. Obviously a high end kayak would give a better experience. Im just upset my first kayak purchase has gone like this. William Oliver
Had 10ft by 28in sundolphin, too unstable, got a skipjack 90, 9ft by 34in., sit on fishing kayak, ma k e go to 10footer next but satisfied for now.
@@bart2u sold it on Craigslist and bought a pelican very similar to the loaner I had before. Sit inside is the way to go if your going inexpensive. Center if gravity is lower and has way more stability. As well as tracks straight and is quick through the water. Pelican maxim 100x angler is what i have now and for 350 I absolutely love it
I was going to get a sink but then opted for a sot so I can snorkel from it aswell. Going to do day paddles around the UK coast. Got an RTM midway which is a very fast and highly capable kayak.
A very informative video for a very beginner like me, thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Well, this shows the difference between a classic "sea kayak" and a "fishing kayak". My sit on top Nelo 510 plastic surfski has better performance than, I would guess, all sea kayaks on the market: safer, more speed, bailer etc. Just want to add the surfski since not mentioned here. Otherwise, thanks for a great overview!
Thanks! Great to hear they're being enjoyed!
Any thoughts to doing a video on surf skis? I often see sit on top kayaks in paddle tv but never see skis. In my case i dont like sit-on due to the weight and own several sea kayaks and added a surf ski. Thanks! Great video as usual
Good point. I would love to have an excuse to paddle a surf ski more often! I'm too far from the surf... except for the river surf, and a whitewater kayak makes more sense here. Hopefully I'll get a chance to some surf ski videos this season...
Why I chose the sit on top was the ease of getting back in after capsize. Also easy to exit for a swim. I guess you lose out with the aerodynamics.
Can you elaborate aerodynamic part please?
If there’s a song in your heart…
Good information, Thanks
I enjoyed watching.
I enjoyed this video! I have both types of kayaks and like them for the reasons he mentioned.
Good comparison. Can you compare a hobie mirage drive kayak with a sit in kayak of equivalent value and do a comparison of those two kayaks? The mirage drive changes the performance equation because they can be faster than a light sit in kayak. You get the comfort, stability plus the mirage drive can be faster.
As I get older & less mobile I might eventually switch to sot
I have different views on sit on top will slower than sit in such as stellar s14, which looks like a Surfski but more stable with storage for touring, the only I complain is I can’t find tandem version with similar design : speed / comfort / stability
I use both I have used both SI and SOT for rec and WW, I run a club of kayakers, I will say the SOT is better for rescue of paddler and kayaks, and my dog loves the SOT.
@@happydogg312 Patrick is 60lbs, my service Dog, when I pull out the kayak, SI or SO, he jumps in, and just takes in the adventure, I have ordered an Cronin Ugly Duck for our WW adventures.
Thanks for a very helpful and well done video!
My pleasure!
Well said, Ken. Thank you. 👍🙂🚣♂️
Thanks 👍
Great review of both options!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Comprehensive! Great job.
Thanks!
First thing I consider is on one knee problems .Sat in and on both
Knee problems I had a hard time getting out of the sit in all most had to roll it on it`s side to get out
. Sit on no problem getting off of it
So that made my decision for me to get a sit on top lots of leg room and easy to get off of it
Great point Jim! The ease of getting on and off Sit-on-top kayaks is a key feature for lots of people!
I'm picking up four 10' sit-on (7 nephews & nieces) and a 16' single ocean sit-in kayaks tomorrow. My only thought is how to mod it into a tri/pent-maran hydrofoil with the 16' as the core even though I don't know how to swim. LOL.
Now THAT is a question I've never had before! :). Would love to see photos if you figure it out!
I'm on hulls #6 & #7. Choices for different purposes. #2 was for cave exploration
and floats today inside one. #4 had 8 meter marine kite pull. #5 did sea touring
between nations. I only fish for guns with a magnet on #6. Had a purpose yet ?
Over the last 10 years I've owned at least 7 kayaks. I started out with sit on top, but once I felt more expeiemced, I went to sit insides.
This was extremely helpful!
Think both would kind would be good choices
You make me want both.
I'm hung up on which one to get. I have always had sit on top Jackson kayaks and Hobie. I found a used but hardly used Jackson kayak Kraken 15.5 and I used to fish a lot but now not so much but I have always wanted to get a touring kayak and I have been looking at the wilderness systems Tempest 170. They say the Kraken at 15.5 feet has great glide and good speed for a sit on top but probably not as good as the Tempest 170. Wondering if anyone has experience with either of these yaks? Also I am 6'6" tall and 36" inseam and size 13 shoes.
Very good and informative video. Thank you
Thanks Alex!
Love my sit inside one.
Also I've seen tons of storage for sit on top seems like more storage than sit inside
Any recommendations for a kayak to be used on lake, river (fairly calm), AND ocean?
for ocean it will mainly be used in a bay/channel, so the waves don't get too big. i will be using it mainly for fishing and pulling crab nets. I'm thinking something with space, but not too wide and slow.
Thanks.
Sit on top is best for older folks, getting in and out is harder than getting on and off. I have had 4 kayaks over the years, 2 sit in and 2 sit on, now have a skipjack90, may go to a 10 ft but for now 9ft. Is good enough.
I’m 53 and looking for something I can do with my 15 yo daughter. I never liked canoes as a kid. They felt unstable. I’m not really a water guy but the tranquility and easy going pace of kayaking creeks and tributaries is appealing to me.
My biggest concern is stability. I’m 6 feet tall and 215 lbs. Sitting on top seems like a high COG. Sitting inside seems like I’ll be stuck if I tip or take on water.
I have a trailer so loading it won’t be an issue.
Any recommendations?
Also, are there apps that can help me navigate waterways?
You have LOTS to choose from. Most sit-on-top kayaks are designed to be super stable, despite the higher COG. In fact, many sit-on-tops are designed to be stood in. Check out my review of the Wilderness Systems Targa 100 (video releases today). This is a good example of a quality, affordable SOT kayak. As for sit-inside... check out the Liquidlogic Saluda review that I did ua-cam.com/video/OoRvDvSBMwc/v-deo.html , or the Wilderness Systems Pungo ua-cam.com/video/JxltHqHfECo/v-deo.html Both are very stable and fun kayaks to paddle, with no risk of getting stuck if you happen to flip somehow. If avoiding flipping is the biggest concern, check out the the Bonafide EX123 ua-cam.com/video/fumMmZi5wLE/v-deo.html
@@PaddleTV thank you very much
Very well explained
Great review. Thanks!
My pleasure!
Can you please share what is the Gopro mount that you use on your sit-on-top kayak? Thanks.
I carry my SOT on my shoulder lol. It's not small either it's an ocean kayak p13. I don't disagree though, for some it's not an option. I'm cutting my teeth on a SOT but want to upgrade to a sit in maybe in a year or so.
Try out a WS Tarpon. Pretty good performance.
Great video for the difference
What’s the best for photography from a kayak? I have a sit in and go out once a week or so for wildlife and nature photography. I am considering a sit on top for better stability, tracking, and potentially adding a tripod/camera mount
Sounds like a fishing sit on top with a peddle drive would be great for what you want to do. They're very stable have lots of places to attach gear and the peddles would free your hands up for taking photos.
@@joshinfwtx4506 The price tag for those hurts my soul, but the foot peddles would really help
@@dallasstoneyful I hear you there. All my boats were bought 2nd hand. 2 of the 3 were about 20 years old when I bought them.
I've done a ton of filming from kayaks. Here's my feeling... A sit-on-top is a great platform for filming because it's stable. I've done most of my filming from sit-on-tops and have liked it. Pedal kayaks are great too, because the keep your hands free, although I usually still have a paddle in my lap to fine tune my kayak's position for shots (not easy to do with pedals). That being said, I feel that my gear is a bit more protected when I'm in a super stable sit-inside kayak. I used to love filming out of the Wilderness Systems Commander, which was a kayak/canoe hybrid. Now, I think the Bonafide EX123 might be my favourite filming boat for flatwater conditions. That being said, it's hard to go wrong with either. The biggest things you want are stability, and something that isn't too short or 'turny', as the wind will spin you in circles as you try to get your shot.
@@PaddleTV I have watched your review of the ex123 three times lol. I currently have an old town vapor . While paddle I enjoy it, but the minute I stop paddling the boat goes sideways making to difficult to get the shot I originally had in mind
I wanna do fishing but sit inside kayaks feel and look beautiful, I don’t care if sit on tops are better for fishing but it’s just too beautiful
What was the grey sit-inside kayak that you were trying to flip but couldn't? I can see ex 123 expedition on the back. Was it the Bonifide?
Yup! That's the one.
I couldn't guess it out so I got both,and use them both,sometimes on the same body of water....
What type of kayak was the grey one that wouldn’t flip over?
That's the Bonafide EX123. Here's a link to the review - ua-cam.com/video/fumMmZi5wLE/v-deo.html
@@PaddleTV my maan!
Informative thank you
Great video, thank you,!
Wonderful presentation...
Thank you!
Sit on top be better to hold the cooler of beer
I like sit inside kayaks better. I do mostly coastal island hopping
Why can't you guys compare the feel free sit inside kayak to something like an RTM disco or a RTM midway sot kayaks, as they are very similar to a true sea kayak, rather than the native which is nothing like a sea kayak, it's more like a barge? Thanks..
With market preference being what it is, performance composite touring kayaks may be gone in a few years.
Not enough people want to do the multi-day 50 mile tour anymore to keep the segment alive.
Everyone just wants to fish or spend a single day on the water.
I agree that serious touring and WW are both extremely niche now that fishing and recreation kayaking has exploded but I think that enough of the people introduced into paddling via recreation or fishing will get hooked enough to want to up their game and take on more challenging conditions which requires better equipment.
@@joshinfwtx4506 Hopefully you're right. WW fits the current one day preference. Touring does not. At least Canada cherishes its canoe heritage. Canoes have been slipping for decades in the US.
The really sad part about fishing kayaks is how many people use a motor.
My very first paddling experience was a canoe at summer camp. 30 years later I was reintroduce via an emotion spitfire 8. That little sot got my hooked, 2 short years later I have a 12.5 sit in for year round paddling and am in process of learning WW.
Not really the case here in Norway. Fishing and sit on tops are a rear sight. It's mostly sea-kayaks, surfskis. Granted many of the surfskis are more of a open top sea-kayak.
@@2testtest2 That's comforting to know.
Another popular product from the past has all but disappeared. Folding boats like Klepper used to be seen quite often on trains in Germany and became popular in the US from the 1950s to the 1970s. Those boats could last for 30-50 years. Now it's mostly plastic boats and those start breaking down much sooner.
Do a knee or thigh brace video for sit on tops. They might be the answer to someone's decision regarding inside or on-top. Good channel. Thanks . Try rolling a sit- on kayak with knee braces for our entertainment value. OK?
Sounds good! Thanks for the ideas... even though I know you just want to see my swim! :)
You are awesome, thanks
You seem to compare apples&oranges! Are you saying, if I want to fish out of a kayak, I need a high $ sit on top?!
Not at all. That would be like saying that if you want to drive, you need to buy a luxury sports car. There are lots of options for fishing kayaks from highly economical, to very expensive. Of course, the more you spend, the more specialized the kayak will be.
Is it possible to add the rolling wheel to all kayaks? How would I avoid causing leaks?
While you could add a wheel to some kayaks that have the right shape at the stern, you will need to drill holes below or near the waterline. That is a recipe for leakage. While silicone will help, I wouldn't do it myself. The better choice would be to get a kayak cart, which quickly attaches and detaches to your kayak. Check out www.suspenz.com for a variety of options for different kayaks.
@@PaddleTVcan you not have the wheel sticking up instead and just flip the kayak upright when you reach the water?
Another question, feather 30 degrees or no feather? I think i remember u said u started feather and switched to no feather?
Yup. I'm a no-feather guy now. I don't feel strongly that it's the 'best' way to go. I just like it best. I do feel that for most people, there's no need to have more than 30 degrees of feather.
greetings, what is the name of the kayak that cannot be turned over 7:06 , I am grateful in advance.
That's the Bonafide EX123. Here's the full review I did of that kayak. ua-cam.com/video/fumMmZi5wLE/v-deo.html
What is the name of the sit inside kayak that you couldn’t flip, that is the one I want?
Bonafide EX123
I want to know what the kayak was that he tested that he couldn’t flip.
Bonafide EX123
Anybody have more info on that sit-inside kayak he showed a glimpse of that he didn’t think he could flip?
Answering my own question: ua-cam.com/video/fumMmZi5wLE/v-deo.html
:)
My problem is that I want the performance of the sit-in kayak, but I'm too big for most of them
What kind of paddling do you want to do? Flatwater? Rough water? fishing? A great flatwater sit-inside kayak for larger paddlers, which carries good speed is the Wilderness Systems Pungo 125. It's nice and fast, but also stable. The downside is that it can't handle rough water, but that may not matter to you. Hope that helps?
But can you go camping on a sit on top
You can go camping with a sit-on-top, although it's not ideal. Some sit-on-tops provide hatches to store your gear inside the kayak. This is a great option, because otherwise, all your gear needs to be stored on top of the kayak, which makes the kayak a little top heavy.
My question is, how were you able to find a couple of new kayaks? Lol
Lol
I suppose sitting openly on an only 15 cm high open Kayak is a guarantee to get wet even when paddling a normal river.
So a sit on-top kayak for beginners or if your rusty. Got it
Of course SIt- Inside kayak!
I got to give you credit for keeping a straight face through all of this. A man of your caliper giving a review on these low end boats is like a race car driver going from a formula 1 race car to a Trabent 601. I hope they're paying you well to paddle these lackluster boats.
A caliper is a device used to measure the dimensions of an object. It is also 'lacklustre' and 'racing car'. If you are going to act like a know-all at least learn to spell.