What's the difference between sit-in and sit-on-top kayaks?

There are two main styles of kayak that we use here at New Forest Activities. It can be confusing as to which you’ll be using when you join us, and so that’s exactly why we’re here! Watch this video above or find a specific answer in this article.

As you can see, the main difference is pretty self explanatory. The structure of this kayak, which is a sit-in kayak, allows me to shelter the lower half of my body inside the kayak in what’s called the cockpit. The pros of a sit-in kayak are sitting lower to the water, therefore having a lower centre of gravity. You’ll glide through the water faster and keep drier due to the nature of the cockpit and they tend to be lighter to carry. For our sit-in kayaks, we offer what is known as a ‘spraydeck’. It’s essentially a piece of waterproof material that is there to prevent water from entering your boat. They feature a tunnel, a deck and a rind. The tunnel sits tight around the paddler’s torso while the deck covers your boat's cockpit, and the rand fastens over the sides to keep it taught and in place. Your sit in the kayak also features foot pegs. These make your experience in a kayak more comfortable as you can adjust these to your preferred position. You’ll be using this type of kayak during our Kayaking Adventure activity which is for those aged 12 years plus.

A sit-on-top is the better option for beginners as they give people more space whilst they learn the basics of kayaking. A sit-on-top kayak doesn’t come with a cockpit for you to shelter your lower body, and just as the name suggests you sit on top of the kayak itself in a moulded-in cutout seat and footrest area.

This kayak has holes known as scupper holes that allow for water to get into the top of the kayak and go right back into the water out of the scupper holes.

You’re likely to get wet as you paddle and splash during kayaking, so make sure to bring along a spare change of clothes or some waterproofs. Our sit-on-tops are also the easiest to rescue if they capsize, which is why we offer hire use of these particular boats. You do not necessarily need an additional instructor to keep you safe, as with a buoyancy aid and a sit on top, it’s simple to hop back onto the boat in the case of it tipping. You’ll be using this type of kayak during our Kayak Hire, and encouraged to use this kayak during our Family Kayaking activity.

We have double and single seated sit on top kayaks available. A double seated sit-on-top requires the same paddling technique, however riding tandem requires synchronising your movements to keep full control over the boat.