Sit Inside vs Sit On Top Kayaks - Which Is Better For You? | Kayaking 101
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- čas přidán 25. 04. 2022
- Dan talks through the pros and cons of sit inside and sit on top kayaks.
Feelfree Aventura 110:
LENGTH: 10' 10"
WIDTH: 27"
WEIGHT: 50 lbs
CAPACITY: 330 lbs
Feelfree Juntos:
LENGTH: 11' 2"
WIDTH: 30.5"
WEIGHT : 60.6 lbs
CAPACITY: 397 lbs
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I started kayaking while walking with a cane, I used a SOT because of my physical issues. Now I'm a guide on a flat tidal river in Fl, I'm trying out a sit inside tomorrow for the first time, going to be an interesting outing. Thanks for all the reviews and how to videos, you've helped me out quite a lot in my choices in gear and how to use it properly, so thanks again and keep the videos coming.
Sounds like you’re living the good life. Would love to spend some time paddling in Florida. Glad you’re enjoying the videos.
@@HeadwatersKayak I get paid to kayak, doesn't get much better than that, if you go to Yulee or Amelia Island let me know and I'll show you a few local rivers.
So? What's your verdict? Any pros and cons you can share? 😊
Wow, really?! I have a bad back & generally walk with a cane. I looove to fish & have been contemplating getting a kayak to get to those places you can't reach from shore. Do you have any advice? Thanks in advance!
@@TonyHookedonVanlife I chose a sit on top for ease of entering and exiting. I started with a Pelican Catch 100 but now I have a Vibe Shearwater 125 with a Hobie Mirage 180 drive, if you have a kayak shop near you I'd go check out what they have and what will work best for you, Good luck.
I have thought about kayaking for a long time. I am near retirement with knee, hip and back complaints. Two weeks ago my co-workers took me out in a sit inside. I had so much fun! I’ve now bought a SOT to afford me independence. Thanks for the information. You did a great job of explaining and I appreciate your effort!!!!
Good stuff! Enjoy.
Wish I’d seen this before I bought my first and I liked the sit in until I had trouble getting in and out of it. I’m 76 yo and quickly decided to sell it and buy a sot and I’m much happier.
Well Done !---Concise, Fast paced--Good Job !
Great video man! Thank you, your videos are always informative
Dan great video. Very informative and you did a nice job comparing the trade-offs.
Thanks for covering EVERY aspect of these kayaks, and in different waters! Very helpful!
Very informative and entertaining!!!!!!!! I liked the variety of demos. Videography is well done.
Great information packed into a short video, good job, you definitely helped me narrow down my decision. I appreciate the video
I'm general when it comes to fishing, SOTs will almost always be better. Easy to get on and off, more room to make casts, and if your kayak is stable enough then you can even stand up. Even though I got my first kayak a month ago, I feel like I've learned a lot, and videos like this really helps with the smaller things that people typically look over but may be important in the future.
I started kayak fishing in 1976. I’ve used canoes sot’s and sit in side yaks. I’m 62 still doing it. I spent thousands on SOT’s. The best money can buy. I’ll take a 14’ sit Inside anytime everyday. Much more fun, easier for everything ! Go anywhere safely. I’ll never own another sit on top. I live 5 miles from a big river and live for it !!!!
Depends on how your using it.if you just got your first yak your opinion doesn't mean anything to anyone your not an expert bud
Great video! Im going kayaking for the first time in a couple of weeks. Im very excited!
I’m new to kayaking, and your expertise is awesome for my confidence.
Great video Dan! Bought my first kayak last year based on watching many of your vids. I selected an inexpensive SOT and an upgraded paddle. I have added lots of options to make it a fishing kayak. I lot it. Being 70 and not so trim anymore this was a good selection for me. Thank you!
I loveeee your videos! My husband and I just got some kayaks that SOT! We love them so much. I definitely already had my experience of falling out of my kayak! That was a fun experience. 😂🤦♀️ Now I see how you do it.. and it will be so much easier the next time it happens!
Thank you for such well detailed video, your honesty and courtesy. Right to the point . Less than 15 minute video and everything covered. HOOAH!
This was very helpful - more than just a comparison video 👍. I have a sit-in and had difficulty getting back in after a tip. Now I know that I should have been getting my legs up and "swimming" onto the kayak like with an ice self-rescue. It was also useful to see how you got in/out.
I really appreciate all of your videos, but this one in particular! Watching you get in/out of the kayaks both on land and in water was so helpful! I've only gone out a few times on rentals, but just bought my first pair of kayaks and I've been so worried about this! Thank you!
Right on! I’m glad it’s helpful
Awesome video Dan! Very informative. 👍🏻🛶🍻
Awesome video! You showed exactly what I need to know before buy a kayak. Thank you!
Awesome! So glad you found it helpful
I do believe you asked and answered about any questions I had to make my decision. Thank you very much.
Right on! Stoked we could help.
Excellent coverage and advice!
FIRST CLASS video. i have a canoe and it's just to heavy for one person to lug about, so i went to the store today and left not knowing whether i wanted a sit in kayak or on top, now i know and it's definitely a sit in, it's a connection thing and the comfort of paddling, just need to get up to speed with the rolling. Thank goodness i spotted this, brilliant, thank you.
Excellent instruction video, Dan! Thank you so much
Glad ya liked it. Thanks for watching!
I have been kayaking for years. I have had a Dagger Charleston for years. Love going kayaking.
Really helpful, thanks Dan.
Dan, this video is a 5 star! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I had a hard time deciding which kayak to get and you helped me make a huge decision! I’m so glad you broke it down and even demonstrate on water that I enjoyed & passed this video to my family & friends. Thanks so much, awesome video!
Glad I could help!
Your awesome…thanks for sharing your love for kayaking 👍
This is great info and clearly explained! I’ve wondered whether I could do a kayak. I’m older now and don’t want to try to manage a canoe alone, but this gives me confidence in trying a kayak. I’m in Missouri and floating small rivers is the primary use here. I’d love to be back on the water.
Hi Carol…I’m retired and looking to get my first kayak as well. :-) Did you decide on one? There’s so many to choose from.
Dan, this was one of your best videos! Awesome explanation and demonstration on differences between the two styles. This is a must watch for anyone deciding on what’s the best type of kayak. I’m not an experienced kayaker and until I am, feel the SOT is the way to go for me. Thanks for the breakdown.
Glad you found it helpful.
Great video brother!! Very educational.
Really useful review, many thanks indeed!
Good information. 👍
Glad to see you using a lavalier mic, too. 👍👍
Love this video. Thank you. At 73 years old I just bought my first SOT kayak . Love it
Thats great! Welcome.
Thank you so much for the advise for bad knees and kayaking. I’m so excited to try it now.
Happy to help. And happy paddlin!
At 90 degrees on my left knee. That was all he needed to say.
Ive had both sit ins and sit ons. I also car top. I use them strickly for fishing. I can say that there are advantages and disadvatages to each. But after messing with both types I personally prefer the sit inside. I love how easy they paddle and how quick they are. I also love the super lightweight for car topping. Now I can say the sit inside I have is built to fish from. It has the nice lawnchair seat and rod holders on it. But thats just my preference.
Thanks for the feedback from your experience.
I’ve seen a few of your videos now Dan and I find them to be very helpful. The way that you explain things in your comparison is very thorough. What type of kayaking lifejacket would you recommend for fishing and day tripping on longer paddles?
Really good explanation, thanks.
Excelent summary. Thanks.
Tried both, I prefer sit inside.
Have a FF Aventura 125, great kayak!
Getting my first kayak in a couple weeks cant wait to get out paddling
Excellent video; it demonstrate exactly the differences between the kayaks and more important how it "fits" (67 year old) into your own skill set. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks Dan excellent video. I have a SOT( FFree Nomad) which is great - stable and easy access egress but I have just bought a Dagger Axis, sit inside. The Dagger is great but I find getting in and out on my local rivers/canals is a real effort with often a 4' drop to the boat. I must persevere because the sit is much faster boat.
4’ drop? Like off a dock? Sounds tricky, but the Dagger is a nice upgrade.
Thank you. I enjoyed watching that
I always had sit in and loved them, but now I’m living in an area with a VERY deep lake, so the fact that it’s pretty much impossible to sink a sit on kayak has made me reconsider when it comes to buying one for this lake. I think the sit in did wonders for the shallow rivers where I come from, but now with a lake this deep, not worrying about losing my kayak is definitely a huge plus when it comes to sit on top
Really helpful info, I am now leaning towards the SOT style, at least for my first Kayak.
I owned a sit inside, but found it tippy and hard to get into and out of. Then I got an Eddyline Caribbean 14 footer, SOT. I love it. More stable, yet still pretty fast. Eddyline really nailed it with this boat. I'm sure purists still cling to their sit inside kayaks. But for me, I found the perfect kayak for fishing and exploring. Always try out some boats before you buy.
@@davidsalo8397 thanks for the insight
I own one of each, a 12.5' feel free Moken sot and a 10' Liquid Logic Marvel sit in. Most of the time I go for the 10' sit-in because it's 42 lbs., easy to handle and fits inside my mini van plus it' easier/more fun to handle on the water as its more maneuverable and the feeling if sitting low at water level makes me feel more connected like I am one with the kayak. Don't get me wrong, the Moken sot has it's place with a lot more room for gear, the freedom of moving around the boat to accommodate fishing and camping. Love them both.
Great video thanks. I understand a lot better.
thank you - great information for comparison
Once again a great video.
Thank you so much for the video. I found it very informative and loved all your points. Thank you for your efforts. One question for you, what would you suggest for ease of entry and exiting while having your dog in a sit in kayak?
This explains a lot. I kayaked a lot in my teens and twenties, but have been limited to occasional hires for about the last 25 years. I've found any time I've hired a sit inside it's been fine, but any time I've had a sit-on-top, I haven't been able to get on with it due to lack of back support. The ones I've hired seemed to have much lower back support than the one you were demonstrating. However, when you mentioned about bracing your knees under the deck of the sit inside kayak, it all made sense, and not being able to do this is why SOTs have just felt wrong to me.
Exactly. Thanks for sharing your experience
Great video. Wondering if you have a video on the gear you are wearing?? I'd be interested in seeing that
Rent then buy is my policy. Love my sit in. Love down river trips camping. Kayaking is great! Made my son prove he could get back in boat before he could take it out!
Very useful video. Thanks.
Nice video!! Thanks for the content! Have you had a chance to test any of the kayaks from lost creek?
Yes I have. Not impressed by the quality of the construction.
Learning a lot from your videos
Im feeling more confident going with an SOT as my purpose will be some exploring local bodies of water as well as fishing and i feel the flexibility of the SOT will be better, as well as ill be by myself so i find peace of mind in the fact i just have to flip it back over and it wont sink. The sit in definitely is faster and if my main purpose was river going with friends then id probably choose that one.
Good video Mr Dan, just a new kayaker, rented 2 different SOT's, Ocean Kayak more stable. Still gonna rent Sit inside to see the difference, thanks.
Yes you should.
As one who fishes out of his kayak, I much prefer a sit on top..I did have a 10ft Manatee deluxe, sit in kayak, but now use the Pelican Catch 100, another 10ft kayak. The sit on top handles the choppy water better, and the bow design dissipates the water, while keeping you dryer! It provides much more room for tackle, and overall ease of fishing..the recling seat makes the "ride" much more comfortable!
The microphone really improves the sound - a nice touch 👍🏻
Thanks Tom. Trying to step it up.
Excellent vid!
At 58 I've owned canoes all my life. I just bought a 10' sit inside for a father's day camping trip with my son & grandsons. Had a blast, never felt unsafe, my grandson was surprised that it was my 1st time in a kayak. Looking forward to many more trips! Thanks for your guidance!
That is awesome!
Thanks I needed that info.
Happy to help!
My husband and I purchased SoT types because of more stability vs stealth. We are calm water paddlers, 😉, so we don't need anything for speed. We also love the additional storage they provide.
Thanks for sharing your perspective
I've used many SOT and SI kayak's. I definitely prefer a SI kayak. As far as water getting inside that is why i have a small hand pump to get any water out. Either way you can't go wrong .
Great video- thanks.
Always great info! I can’t stress enough the difference in speed between the 2! When I go on the river with a group I can’t keep up in my SOT! So now I have both😁!
You are wrong, speed depends on the SOT you use ! There are SOTs that are as fast or even faster than sit in kayaks : for instance surfskis are SOTs and competition models of surfskis are clearly the fastest kayak (for who able to master them). So speed is not the main difference. Personally I use SOTs for their easyness of use and for security ressons : with a SOT it is much easier to embark/disembark and particularly remount on the kayak that is also unsinkable. As I do kayaking alone on the swiss lakes, a SOT is clearly more easy to use and better for security reason and my Epic V7 and Stealth Profisha 525 are not slower than sit in kayaks.
@@reddienst3441 good to know! I have a very slow SOT. So my sit inside is faster than my SOT!!!
I feel like the entry price sit on tops are so much better utility and value than the sit in which is a shame because I do like the mobility and speed of sit in, especially the long tourers
I have both. I just got a dagger axis 12.0 last year. Man was it hard to find. I had to drive 2 1/2 hours to get it. I love it. It paddles really well and is much faster and with less effort than my 10ft sot (pescador). I like the sot too but I like my dagger a lot more and find myself using it 90% of the time I kayak.
I also have a hobbies outback, but that's really a different beast thati use make for fishing. Sometimes I'll take it out on a Kentucky lake to float around and relax too.
I still think about getting an eddyline or similar. There aren't any around to demo though.
I appreciate your take. It’s hard to have just one. The Axis 12 is a really nice kayak. You should try a Stellar S-14. It’s a rocket ship that is still super playful.
Good info thanks
Great videos thank you
Lots of good advice.
Stoked you found it helpful.
Nice Vid @ all! I just can say: Test what is the right for you. Sit in Kajaks are not for me, because i am 1.90cm an have long legs. Enter in and out is very tricky when on a landing stage.... And for me, i dont like to sit so deep to the waterline.🤔 But extrem negativ on a sot is @ cold weather. You knees will be frozen so fast an thats an huge problem. I own a Tarpon 160. Greetings. From North Germany. 👋 I am a big Fan of this channel. Keep it up.
Thanks for watching and joining the chat.
Great video
Excellent video
I found it very educational; however, still can't decide between the two styles. I might have to make a trip up to Lodi for some comparison.
I just switched back to sit inside. I got a sit on top fishing kayak (pelican) and it was horrible. Didn't cut through the water so well. The kids and my lady were always ahead of me lol.
SOT for the win!
The Juntos will be my end-of-summer gift to myself.
Nice
@@HeadwatersKayak But I will have to drive all over California to find one in stock.
Same here, I got mine yesterday.
Hi, I have used both styles of kayaks, not to mention a high quality inflatable kayak. I'm not a big person, 5'2 and 125 pounds. I found that the inflatable worked best for me. It's much lighter and I can adjust the weight just by adding or letting out air. It's easy for me to transport.Plus, because I'm so short, it gives me a lot of storage both behind the seat and in front of my legs. My kayak is 10' 5". I kayak fish, so this comes in handy. Oh, lesson learned, I recommend getting a paddle leash. I learned that the hard way, lol.
Thank you Dan, this was very helpful. I am planning on getting a kayak this year. Next month I will be attending a kayak demo which is being held by a local kayak shop where I live. I can't wait to get into this sport. Dan you are the man.
Nice Jennifer. Where are you from?
Hi Dan I currently live in Oklahoma. I grew up in Southern California. Also do you still sell Headwaters decals?
Hey Dan, as usual this is a great, informative video! Have you considered reviewing high-end all-dropstitch inflatables? I know you did an Aquaglide a few years ago, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on something like a Sea Eagle RazorLite or an Advance Elements Airvolution. As someone who travels a lot and plans to spend some of my retirement years paddling overseas, these seem like a viable option for a performance kayak that can be packed down small and light enough to qualify as checked luggage. I'd love to see you review them!
I’d love too. Just need to find a connection with a company making them
@@HeadwatersKayak As many followers as you have, you might be able to get Sea Eagle and Advanced Elements to send you their all-dropstitch models for review. I don't know if you've ever corresponded with Paddle TV's Ken Whiting (my other go-to kayaking youtuber lol), but he's reviewed both and might have contact info for their reps. Hopefully you'll get a chance to review them!
I have NRS star paragon boats- actually 3 of them along with the sea eagle 380x. The star paragon boats are quicker - track better and do better in the wind. The sea eagle i added 50 lbs in the front of the boat and with the weight tracks much better than without. Cause the side tubes are bigger than the star paragon boats wind affects them more. The sea eagle boat is also slower and rewuires more effort than the star paragon boats. In choppier water with any kind of white caps you cant beat the sea eagle. It is like a tank going thru the white caps taking on much less water due to the size of the outer tubes. Both boats are excellent. Have to say i have developed pinhole leaks in all the boats appearing to be along crease lines where the boats are folded. I dont drag them and take meticulous care of them always lifting them in and out of the water. Both companies sea eagle as well as NRS tells me its normal wear and tear and will not warranty the boats so check out some u tube videos on patching. Out of the 4 boats each one has developed one leak each for the year and a half i have had the boats. I do take them out approx 40 to 45 times a year so thats folding the boat twice each time i do take them out. Good luck. Hopefully this helped you
First of all, thank you Dan! All of your videos have been very helpful and informative!
Can you please share what boots you're wearing? Are they fully waterproof?
Ty in advance!
I can’t recall what I wore in this video. Level Six makes some cool waterproof boots that I like.
@@HeadwatersKayak , thx Dan, I'll look into them!
@@HeadwatersKayakare there such things as kayaking pants? I've been in shorts while kayaking, but find it a bit annoying when the paddle drip comes down on my legs. Pants would take car of that, but not sure if they're supposed to be made of stone kind of fast drying swing suit material.
I'm looking to get a kayak mostly for lake fishing and recreation,I'm trying to decide between a sot or a sit in,leaning more towards s.o.t,as i had a experience when i was younger kayaking,were I overturned and my legs got caught trying to get out,managed to get em free,but it was a little nerve-wracking
Get a sit on top.
Saver and better for easy access.
I'm building a fishing kayak, sit on top.
Perfect for fishing.
I fish out of a sun dolphin 🐬 now lol
It gets the job done, for now!
Sit inside scares me because I’m paranoid about snakes or spiders nesting inside it lol
🫠
@@HeadwatersKayak Do most feel this way before having enough experience with this kind of kayak? Or is it just my fear of snakes and how so many live around me?
Well Done!!!!!!
Hey Dan I love videos. I'm new to kayaking and mainly do it to fish. What boots and pants are u wearing in most of your videos?
Thanks! In this video I’m wearing Kokatat dry pants. I’ve got a pair of Level 6 bibs on order that I’ll be switching to soon though; really excited about those. Usually wearing one of my pairs of Astrals as my shoes.
I got a sit in and me and my friend go out in the Poquoson river and race towards wakes of bigger boats just to get splashed and I usually have a cup or bottle for if I have too much water in it
Yeah I'm really bad for laying back and relaxing now if I actually need to paddle then I sit up But just cruising across the river to get to a different area ill lay back and get comfortable
Thank you for the video. It seems like the sit inside would be more comfortable for the back.
I have both I use my sit on top for small rivers when I will be getting off and on to fish a spot then I use my sit in on bigger rivers where I don't know the depth of the water
Can u do a anchor video in curnt not real swift but a pretty good steady flow
I a, 60 years Old I have a old town dirigo and love it the only problem is I a, having trouble getting out of it . I have had 1 shoulder replaces and the other needs it . Getting out isn’t a problem in a nice clean lake when the water isnt freezing so I can just tip it and slide out . When I’m in a river , lake or pond that isn’t so,etching I feel comfortable doing . So I’m looking for a inexpensive sit in top .
So kind of a hard question- Seeing all the various people out there trying to paddle, what do you recommend for bigger folks? My friends want to get into kayaking as a way to have fun while getting in better shape… But there seems to be very little info, suggestions or recommendations for people who are over the recommended weight parameters of most kayaks…
7:23 he mentions seating literally as I started looking at seats for sale. LOL
How good are inflatable sit insides? I recently bought a paddle board and plan to take some more courses to use it this summer to learn to do faster maneuvers, I come from a background of canoeing and am mostly self-taught, and learned a lot by people who were themselves self-taught so there’s a lot of basic form I need to improve.
I did a 5-day trip in Minnesota on canoes years ago. But at one point I got to try out a kayak meant for rivers and absolutely loved how quickly it could turn and maneuver and just how fun it was to operate. I've really enjoyed the paddle board so far, but I think if I were going to get a kayak of some sort it would probably need to be inflatable for the amount of space I have to store it, and I think I'd rather have a sit inside if it's a kayak versus just putting a kayak seat on my paddle board. But not sure if it's really worth it given how compact my paddle board is and my space constraints living in an apartmentat the moment.
I’m learning so much from your videos and am growing confident that I can get out on a kayak and have a good safe time. But it’s getting cooler. What kind of pants and shoes are you wearing? Do your feet and legs get wet? Do they keep you warm when wet?
I will dry pants with waterproof feet in them. Level Six makes some great stuff. Then I use use my same old Astral water shoes over the feet. NRS boundary shoes are water proof and knee high. They are also dry. www.levelsix.com/collections/mens-dry-pants/products/surge
Nice video!!! What do you use for boots / pants when kayaking?? It seems like you typically wear the same gear when kayaking. As a new kayaker I have no idea what I should be looking in to for!!! (dry pants?) Thanks!!
I wear Kokatat Tempest pants when it’s cold, and NRS quick dry pants or shorts when it’s warmer. The tempest pants have built in feet which makes them waterproof like waders. Other options are the NRS boundary shoes which are waterproof up to your calves.
After paddling the sit-inside last weekend, I think I need a sit-inside kayak in my fleet. haha
I know a guy! I've got a fleet of pretty rad used sit in sides at my warehouse. Lets go shopping!
Tried posting my personal comparison, but CZcams is currently eating my comments. Thank you for the comparison, it helped confirm some things, and consider some others.
See you are wearing waders. Any thoughts on what to consider when selecting them. I have a pair of neoprene waders . Maybe wadi g sandals might be better that the boots?
These are KoKatat Tempest pants. Super light weight material and thin booties that fit into regular water shoes. I’ve been using them for 10 years and I’m very pleased with how they work.