In a sit-on-top kayak, the rider sits on the boat rather than in it. This type of kayak is suitable for beginners and advanced paddlers alike.
Capsize? No problem!
Sit-on-top kayaks are very stable in the water. The air chambers in the boat prevent the kayak from sinking and make it stable against tipping.
Which sit-on-top kayak is any good?
We present a selection of the most popular sit-on-top kayaks 2024 in more detail in our recommendations. Our Checklist shows what to look out for when buying a sit-on-top kayak.
Contents:
The best sit-on-top kayaks 2024 reviewed
1. best stable sit-on-top kayak
This kayak measures 265 x 66 x 25 cm and weighs 17 kilograms. The supplied paddle has fiberglass-polypropylene reinforced blades and an aluminum shaft and weighs less than one kilogram.
- Good speed
- Comfortable
- Stable
- Not easy to transport due to its length
Why we like it: Thanks to its length, the kayak can reach high speeds with comparatively little effort. It has a comfortable backrest and a waterproof hatch for valuables.
Recommended for: The kayak is well suited for flat water and touring and can carry up to 130 kilograms.
2. best sit-on-top kayak for 1 person
When inflated, the kayak measures 296 x 84 cm. It weighs 8.5 kilograms and consists of a nylon outer shell, 2 PVC side compartments and a reinforced Tarpaulin floor. The scope of delivery includes a pressure gauge, fin, carrying bag and a repair kit.
- Small pack size
- High quality
- Stable
- Seat provides little support
- Water sloshes into the boat due to the open design
- Slowly
Why we like it: Accessories and food can be securely stowed in the practical tensioning straps at the rear. The two seats with a high backrest are individually adjustable and offer a great deal of comfort. The underwater world can be observed through the bow window.
Recommended for: The kayak offers space for 2 people and is particularly suitable as a bathing or snorkeling boat. It can bear loads of up to 150 kilograms.
3. best compact sit-on-top kayak
This kayak has a length of 258 cm and is 74 cm wide. It weighs 18 kilograms and is available in the colors Reef, Atoll and Coral. It is made of high-density polyethylene.
- Stable
- Easy to steer
- Compact
- No waterproof compartment for luggage storage
Why we like it: The Islander Koa Beach sit-on-top kayak is very compact. The raised nose ensures that waves can also be mastered and the keel on the underside provides stability. The carrying handles at the front, rear and in the middle make it easy to transport.
Recommended for: The Koa Beach is equally suitable for the sea, coast and lakes. The recommended maximum weight of the paddler is 115 kilograms.
4. best sit-on-top kayak set
This kayak measures 340 x 89 x 20 cm and weighs 13 kilograms. It is supplied with a seat, 2 removable fins, aluminum paddle, pump, rucksack, safety line, splash guard line, 2 transport nets and repair kit. The kayak can also be used as a SUP board.
- Good workmanship
- Fast assembly
- Easy to control
- Customer service
Why we like it: Both air chambers of this kayak are made of a high-quality and durable PVC material. It is very firm and stable thanks to the Stitch Light technology. The deck with foam padding provides grip and standing comfort. The removable seat with backrest has padded cushions that significantly increase riding comfort.
Recommended for: The kayak has a load capacity of 220 kilograms and can be driven with the seat by one person. Converted into a SUP, it can also be used by two people.
5. best sit-on-top kayak for 2 – 3 persons
This kayak has a length of 390 cm, is 84 cm wide and 44 cm high. It weighs around 28 kilograms and is made of polyethylene. It can be ridden solo, as a tandem or by three people.
- Unsinkable
- Easy entry and exit
- Stable
- Difficult to transport
Why we like it: The Islander Paradise 2 offers two ergonomic seats with adjustable backrests, but can accommodate up to 3 people on the sit-on-top kayak if required. It also has a waterproof hatch in which smaller items such as keys, cell phones or lunch boxes can be stored.
Recommended for: The kayak can carry up to 200 kilograms and offers space for up to 3 people. It is particularly suitable for the beach and bathing lakes.
More articles you might find interesting:
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- Canoe
- Canadian
- Packraft
- Inflatable boat
- Sea kayak
- Hiking kayak
Sit-on-top kayak Checklist: These features are important
- Length: The longer the sit-on-top kayak, the more storage space and room there is. Very useful for long tours or for people with long legs. In most cases, more length also means more stability, but this also depends on the shape of the bow.
- Payload: Before buying, you should be clear about how much luggage or people you want to transport with the sit-on-top kayak. The load range for kayaks is 100-400 kg.
- Persons: Sit-on-top kayaks are available as 1-person or 2-person kayaks. This means that there is one or two seats on the kayak. A 2-seater can be used for joint tours, e.g. with beginners.
- Weight: Weight plays a decisive role when unloading from the car and on the way to the water. Most sit-on-top kayaks weigh between 27 and 40 kg. From 30 kg upwards, longer journeys with a 1 become quite strenuous. With a 2-seater, the weight is divided between two people, so 40 kg is no problem.
- Seat: Depending on the manufacturer, different seats are installed, some of which differ greatly. The seat should be comfortable, have a sufficiently large backrest and preferably be adjustable. This allows the seat to be adjusted to the perfect position.
Did you know? Sit-on-top kayaks with propulsion are mostly used as fishing kayaks.
Bestsellers: The most popular sit-on-top kayaks on Amazon
(**Last update 2024-09-16)
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers
What is a sit-on-top kayak?
What are the advantages of sit-on-top kayaks?
Getting in and out of a sit-on-top kayak is easier than with a conventional closed kayak.
For people who like sunbathing or relaxing on the water, a sit-on-top has the advantage that it is easy to lie comfortably on the boat.
What are the disadvantages of sit-on-top kayaks?
Another disadvantage is the higher center of gravity, which makes the boat more wobbly. A sit-on-top is a boat for good weather. In cold weather, it has the disadvantage that the lower half of the body also cools down and gets wet more quickly.
How to get into a sit-on-top kayak
- Sit on top in the water.
- Step into the middle of the boat, squat down and shift your weight onto the boat as quickly as possible.
- Sit down carefully and place your feet in the footrests.
How expensive are sit-on-top kayaks?
Where can you buy sit-on-top kayaks?
*Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.
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