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Sit On Top kayak vs Sit In Kayak

What is the differences and advantages to a Sit on Top Kayak vs a Sit in Kayak?

This is a question I get asked quite a bit so below is what I think are the advantages to each type of Kayak. 
For fishing, scuba diving and surfing, I would recommend a Sit On Top. For recreational paddling covering some distance and camping trips, I would recommend a Sit In Kayak. My reasons are below, but every has difference preferences.

Advantages for Sit on Top

  • They are virtually unsinkable. If your sit on top kayak gets tipped over, it will not sink. You can just flip them over and get right back to paddling. When water gets inside the cockpit, it will drain out through the scupper holes.
  • They provide quick access to gear. 
  • Sit-On-Top kayaks are less expensive than Sit-In-Kayaks.
  • They provide an easy way to get into the water.

Sit on Top Kayak in Auckland New Zealand

 

 

 

 

Advantages of a Sit in Kayak

  • A paddler can remain dry and out of the water. The enclosed cockpit keeps water from splashing onto the kayaker. There are no drain holes in the bottom of the cockpit so the entire compartment remains dry.
  • Offers more stability. Since the cockpit is inside the kayak, the paddler remains on the water line. This keeps the kayak stable and makes it less likely to tip over. Can handle rough seas with ease.
  • There are more storage areas for camping
  • Are generally a lot faster

Nic Mead Auckland Sea Kayaks

 

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There are still some kayak spots available for the Upper Waitemata Coastal Cleanup this Saturday. Join us to get on the water and help cleanup the coastline.
Motunau Bay, Ponui Island. Everyone enjoying an afternoon swim at high tide on the Autumn Equinox, Wed, 20 Mar 2024.
For our tinier Auckland Sea Kayaks whanau | here's an epic colouring in sheet to celebrate Te Ika o te Tau - Fish of the Year competition! Complete this comp and be in to win some amazing prizes including:
- A sunset kayak to Rangitoto for two 
- An eDNA kit or eRangers card game kindly donated by Wilderlab 
- A family pass aboard Perfect Day (NTL) kindly donated by @divetutukaka 
- A mask and snorkel kindly donated by @wettie.spearfishing 
- One of two Marine Invaders card games kindly donated by Marine Invaders 
- A Doon River Fishy Pin kindly donated by @doonriver 
- An @emr_nz  goodie bag, and more!

Tag us and EMR so we can see your masterpieces  #teikaotetau2024 😎
Chloe and Bennett have been going hard at @vectorwero practicing their white water skills. Epic to see their continual progression!
Vote for Fish of the Year! 

This year, we're championing the Anchovy—did you know they're the eco-warriors fighting climate change in the Hauraki Gulf and beyond? By gobbling carbon and helping regulate oceanic climates, anchovies are the carbon-crushing champions we didn't know we needed. Saving the planet never looked so good! Vote here: https://www.mountainstosea.org.nz/fish #FOTY @emr_nz @waihekemarineproject
Auckland Sea Kayaks is pleased to be supporting the annual Fish of the Year | Te Ika o Te Tau competition with our friends @emr_nz  and @waihekemarineproject

Our fish for this year is the humble Anchovy - while small and nimble like a sea kayak, they play a crucial role in marine ecosystems by acting as a primary food source for larger marine-life and seabirds. 

Celebrate the biodiversity of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park and cast your vote at www.mountainstosea.org.nz/fish
Maclean's College year 12 outdoor education class doing safety and kayak skills before their multi-day trip in a few weeks. #outdooreducation #EOTC
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