A little background on sit-on-top kayaks
We used to get around in large open Canadian or Indian canoes before we started using the safe and stable sit-on-top sea kayaks. The benefit was that you could transport a lot of gear and luggage. However, due to their weight balance, these canoes are not really suitable for ocean conditions, especially with fewer options for easy and quick landing on beaches.
The advanced Sea Kayak with a closed spray deck and sometimes a rudder, have great gliding capacities but requires advanced paddling techniques and good self-rescue skills.
On rivers, white water kayaks and play and free-style boats are a lot of fun. At the same time, they aren’t really suitable for longer distances or for beginners who want to go straight in open water. More advanced kayak skills are required for tipping over and rolling back upright.
With the introduction of so-called Sit On Top (SOT) kayaks, sea kayaking gained popularity.
Sit On Top Sea Kayaks
For beginners in ocean conditions, these kayaks are extremely stable and safe to use. These kayaks are our favourites for the following reasons:
Drainage
SOT kayaks have four or more drainage holes in the kayak, so any water that enters the kayak drains automatically, making the kayak unsinkable.
Capsizing with Sit-On-Top sea kayaks
The name Sit On Top explains it all: paddlers sit on top of the kayak rather than inside. If the kayak capsizes, the paddlers fall out and are never trapped with their legs inside. There’s no need to cover yourself with a spray deck or learn a “360º Eskimo roll” any longer.
Swimming and beach landing
Because you are sitting on top of the kayak, you can easily jump out for a refreshing swim in the sea. After your swim, it is relatively simple to climb back into the kayak, though this may necessitate the assistance of another person. Because of the drainage holes, the kayak drains itself, eliminating the need to return to the shore.
With a SOT kayak, visiting and landing on a beach is much easier and safer. Leaving the beach with some waves, in particular, has become much safer and more comfortable.
Comfort
The SOT kayaks we use have a pre-shaped seat and an adjustable back rest with padded foam added to the seating and lower back.
Manoeuvrability and stability
Kayak Lagos utilises kayaks that offer an ideal balance of stability, gliding capabilities, manoeuvrability, and space for two people. If the group has an odd number of paddlers, we offer a single SOT to the paddler with the most experience.
Kayak Cave Trips in Lagos, Portugal
Would you like to go on a trip in these Sit On Top sea kayaks? Kayak Lagos uses the most modern kayaks and keeps all equipment in excellent condition.
Read more and book now one of our kayak cave trips from Lagos in Portugal.
