Best Sit-On-Top Kayak for Beginners – 5 Features to Consider

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Best Beginner Sit On Kayak

There are so many kayaks in the market today. It's tricky to know the most suitable one if you are new to the sport. For beginners, the best kayaks are usually not suitable for those wanting to take epic trips across wide open seas or in challenging white waters. 

However, they provide a safe and stable way to have fun in lakes, slow-moving rivers and calm seas. Update your knowledge with our beginner’s guide to shopping for kayaks.

What you should look for in a kayak?

Before buying a new kayak as a beginner, you need to consider these 5 things. 

1. Material used / Durability 

If you’re a beginner in kayaking, you’ll go through a learning curve. You will therefore need a kayak that is durable as you try to figure out how to kayak. A good kayak should withstand the abuse and punishment you’re about to put it through.

You should check at reviews on what the previous buyers have to say. Also, you should be keen with the material used to make the kayak. You can choose from 7 original materials.  They include: wood, carbon fiber, Kevlar, fabric with a frame, fiberglass, hard plastic and inflatable plastic.  A fiberglass or hard plastic kayak is a good bet. Also, the right inflatable kayak can work well for beginners.

Hard plastic is fairly durable, but heavy, whereas Fiberglass is lightweight, but expensive.  Kevlar and Carbon fiber are even lighter, but too expensive and not recommended for beginners. Wooden kayaks aren’t used much nowadays because of their weight and high manufacturing costs. 

1. Stability

For beginners, when looking for the best kayak, stability of the kayak is one of the most vital things to consider. Look for one that is stable and manageable without constantly tipping over.

Stability of a kayak comes in 2 forms.

• Primary stability–It’s the kayak stability while in calm waters, entering and exiting the kayak or just chilling. The yak should be stable while performing low-motion activities.
• Secondary stability–This shows the kayak stability in rough waters. The yak should be able to handle high-motion activities like going at high rates of speed or white-water kayaking.

2. Length of a Kayak

It is important to define the length of your first kayak. When determining the length, figure out the most important thing to you. For tracking and speed ability, choose a longer kayak. But if you want one that will turn with ease, then invest in a shorter kayak.

Also, before buying you should consider how you will store or transport the Kayak. Obviously, the longer the kayak, the harder it is to store or transport.

1. Comfort, Depth and Width of the Kayak

Considering the width and depth of your first kayak plays a vital role in many things from how much you can store in the kayak to its steering.

Most beginners choose wider kayaks since they are more stable and easier to get in and out of. However, choosing a wide kayak means sacrificing some speed therefore making it harder to paddle due to increased drag.

Big guys and those opting for more room and space should go for a kayak with good depth. The kayak’s hull will sit higher to create more room in the cockpit, however, you will be more prone to cold and wind.

People with very long or short legs should look for a model that has an adjustable seat or foot braces. Also, consider the width of the seat, more so if you need a specifically wide seat.

2. Know the Kayak’s Purpose

What you intend to do with the kayak plays a big role in choosing the kayak to buy. What is your primary use for the kayak?

Is it for meant for rough waters? Are you looking for something that is family friendly? Do you want to be fishing with the kayak? Or you prefer to just pedal?

These are the things to consider before buying your first kayak. 

What are the important tips to consider before kayaking

• Clothing

You should dress for the water, not the weather. You need clothes that will keep you warm and dry.

You also need helmet and boots to protect your head and feet. Many paddlers prefer to wear a wet suit whilst others prefer dry trousers and dry tops. However, British Canoeing recommend that all paddlers to wear a buoyancy aid at all times. Also, always carry a spare set of clothes. 

• Training

You need good training to be safe and help you enjoy paddling much more.

• Water Rules & Access

Having purchased your kayak, it does not mean that you can now paddle on any bit of water you come across.

You need a license to paddles in some inland water and canals. However, the sea frontline is mostly accessible for paddling although they restrict some areas.

• Don’t kayak by yourself

Even if you’re very experienced, it’s never an excellent idea to go kayaking alone. You should team up with another kayaker, so that if one gets into trouble, someone is there to assist.

• People are more important than kayaks.

In case of an accident, the most important thing is to keep people safe. It may sound obvious, but sometimes people forget this during panicked situations. People can’t be replaced but boats can.

• Learn how to rescue yourself and other paddlers 

Always be prepared to rescue yourself and others. Go through the basic capsize drills with trained instructors. 

• Hold the paddle correctly and sit properly in your kayak.

It might sound obvious but many people when learning how to kayak, hold the paddle the wrong way.

Also, sitting properly in the kayak makes it easier to paddle. Rest your feet on foot pegs found on each side of the kayak. Heels should point towards the center and toes should point outwards. Also, your knees should bend upwards and outwards.