Hey, Kayakers!

[tulip]

They are like bikes--go out and try a few and see what works for you.

[Kubla]

As with bikes, kayak design is a personal preference. I personally prefer the sit-inside type. It's a water sport-and you are bound to get a little wet, but sitting inside tends to keep you a bit drier overall. It also tends to feel as if you are "one with the boat".

Always try before you buy, because they handle differently. Some kayaks are hard to keep in a straight line while others track a little too well and are harder to turn. Ideally, you will find one that does both reasonably well.

[Irulan]

It also depends if you are are doing flatwater/lake, ocean or river/whitewater.

[lph]

I've never tried a sit-on-top, but I do know that one of the things I really like about kayaking is the way I "wear" the boat, and steer it by weight. It's really nice to feel that oneness with the water, and here it's cold enough that you want to cover up as much as possible. But a sit on top might be handy on flat water and in hot climates.

[Bike Chick]

I just got my first kayak for Mother's Day and it's a 12' sit inside. DH has a 12' sit on top so he can fish. His is more stable and heavier than mine. He can let his legs hang over the side or climb into it from the water if it flips over since it's self-draining. Mine is lighter, faster and more manueverable in the water. Six of one/half-dozen of another.

[wackyjacky1]

Interesting stuff. Thanks, everyone. d('-')b

[emily_in_nc]

Living in Belize, sit-on-tops are pretty much all you see. And they work great down here where the water is warm -- sit inside get awfully hot in full sun and warm water. That said, when we lived in NC we had touring kayaks, and they were great for flat-water creeks and rivers, especially on cooler days. On hot days they were a bit much, but they do keep at least most of your legs from getting sunburned! Sit-inside are generally longer, skinnier, and faster, and have more space for gear compartments, if that is important to you.