They are like bikes--go out and try a few and see what works for you.
They are like bikes--go out and try a few and see what works for you.
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.
1990 Univega Alpina/(stock) gel saddle
2009 Specialized Dolce Elite/BG Lithia saddle
2009 Jamis Coda Sport/Selle Royale Respiro saddle
2010 Jamis Aurora/Jamis Touring Sport saddle
It also depends if you are are doing flatwater/lake, ocean or river/whitewater.
2015 Liv Intrigue 2
Pro Mongoose Titanium Singlespeed
2012 Trek Madone 4.6 Compact SRAM
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.
Winter riding is much less about badassery and much more about bundle-uppery. - malkin
1995 Kona Cinder Cone commuterFrankenbike/Selle Italia SLR Lady Gel Flow
2008 white Nakamura Summit Custom mtb/Terry Falcon X
2000 Schwinn Fastback Comp road bike/Specialized Jett
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.
__________________
"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." George Bernard Shaw
Luna Eclipse/Selle Italia Lady
Surly Pacer/Terry Butterfly
Quintana Roo Cd01/Koobi Stratus
1981 Schwinn Le Tour Tourist
Jamis Coda Femme
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.
Emily
2011 Jamis Dakar XC "Toto" - Selle Italia Ldy Gel Flow
2007 Trek Pilot 5.0 WSD "Gloria" - Selle Italia Diva Gel Flow
2004 Bike Friday Petite Pocket Crusoe - Selle Italia Diva Gel Flow