Sit-on-Top Kayaks are great for people wanting a fast track to the fun and excitement of paddling on almost any water. They are stable, easy to use and also great fun for people of all ages and abilities.

Places to go for Sit on kayaking in Devon

What is a Sit-On-Top Kayak?

Sit-On-Top kayaks are just that; a kayak that has had the deck and cockpit removed. You sit on top rather than sit inside. Sit-On-Top Kayaks do not require a spray skirt as water that enters the cockpit drains out through scupper holes - tubes that run from the cockpit to the bottom of the hull. They are stable and easy to paddle with little or no previous experience or skill. As they are more stable than an ordinary kayak sit on tops can be difficult to roll, if you fall off you simply jump back on again.

Sit-on-top kayaks come in single and double designs, although a few models accommodate three or four paddlers. Sit-on-top kayaks are particularly popular for fishing, touring and playing in the waves. Sit on tops may have hatches, skegs and rudders as well as fishing rod holders.

Add on thigh straps are great for use in the surf and back rests make the kayak more comfortable.

All the design features, hull, deck, bow and stern shapes of other kayaks have the same effects, speed, directional stability and maneuverability. A longer sit on top will travel faster and in a straighter line but will be heavier and harder to turn. Longer sit on tops are better for longer journeys as they are faster and more efficient. A shorter sit on top with more rocker (the curve from bow to stern) will be easier to turn but slower in a straight line. More rocker and a shorter length makes the sit on top better for playing about and surfing waves.

At AS Watersports we have an extensive range of Sit-On-Top Kayaks, both single and double, available for purchase both online and from our Exeter based shop

For every day general, purpose use we suggest boats like:

Perception Scooter, Ocean Kayak Frenzy, Ocean Kayak Yak board, Wliderness Systems Tarpon 100, Ripper and more.

For more touring and less play we suggest boats like:

Perception Freedom, Ocean Kayak Prowler 13, Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120, Native Manta Ray 12 and more.

If you need help deciding what type of kayak is most suitable for you and your individual requirement please call us at AS Watersports on 01392 219600 or visit us at AS Watersports, Haven Road, Exeter, Devon and we will be pleased to help you. Alternatively email our friendly and knowledgably staff at sales@aswatersports.co.uk