Choosing a sit-on-top kayak and equipment.
I often get asked about buying a sit-on-top kayak. Here is some advice on choosing a sit-on-top kayak, equipment and things you may need to consider. This is not an exhaustive list but is intended to give you some ideas.
Buy: Sit-on-top kayak, a beginners guide by Derek Hairon. Published at Pesda Press.
Deciding what Sit-on-top kayak to buy is never an easy matter.
There are lots of different designs about. What may be right for one person may not be okay for another.
Your weight, height and type of kayaking you plan to do are things to consider.
Retail outlets
Some retailers may not know much about the products they sell so go to a specialist kayak retailer.
Specialist kayak shops are more likely to know a bit about the kayak you want to buy. You might even be lucky to find one who will let you try before you buy.
What Sit-on-top kayak to buy. Tips to help make a better decisions
How often will you go kayaking?
An odd question but one worth thinking about. If you only go afloat four times a year then it may be better rethinking whether buying is the best option in the long term. How about signing up for a kayak class, tour or kayak club where all kit is supplied.
What sit on top kayaks do we use?
We use Ocean kayak Scupper Pros. They travel well in a straight line and are faster and stable. You can see the full range of Ocean kayaks on their website.
We also use Prowler 13ft and 15ft models for the larger paddler. Some smaller built paddlers also like the Prowler 13ft. This may be because it is a bit easier to load onto the car roof rack. The Ocean kayak Caper is also a popular design.
Larger paddlers and kayak fishing
We have both Prowler 13ft and 15ft kayaks. The Prowler 15 handles better but is a bit more awkward to store and transport due to the length.
The Prowler Elite received good reviews. The Prowler 13ft kayak is one of the best selling sit-on-top kayaks in the UK.
Longer kayaks tend to be more directional than shorter kayaks
Short kayaks are great for turning and nipping in and out of rocks but are harder work to paddle over a distance. Short kayaks can be quite wide. When the width and shortness is combined a kayak is often harder work to paddle any distance.
What do you want to use the kayak for?
If it is just a floating platform to mess about in the bay with the children then short boats are fun.
If you want to paddle distances opt for a longer sit-on-top sea kayak.
Glass fibre and composite designs by Kaskazi in South Africa get good reviews for speed and light weight.
Children’s kayaks and kit
How would you feel using gear two or three sizes to large for you?
Try to buy appropriately sized kit and kayaks fro children to use. They will have more fun and are more likely to continue kayaking.
We use Ocean kayak Kias for the under 10years.
Fatyak kayaks are good value, fun on the beach and in small surf. We tested the basic model in 2009. It was popular with children. A great platform to have fun on.
Children’s Wetsuits are sold at Totalsport Jersey and Stuart at Gone Paddling. Both retailers are selling at great prices.
If youngsters are going to play with the Sit-on-top kayak then consider a flat stern to slide over. Ensure there are no sharp edges to rip wetsuits (or skin).
Try before you buy
What feels like a very stable kayak the first time afloat may feel a like a barge as you develop your skills. This is a good reason to avoid rushing out to buy a kayak. Go on a course, kayaking class or try a kayak session to get a chance to try different craft.
Prices vary a lot.
Buy from a specialist store. They will have a better idea about the product.
Some shops do not know much about what they are selling.
Take care when buying second hand. You could be buying a stolen craft.
Buy local
Local suppliers will know the products and be able to sort out problems. This also helps keep cash on Jersey and supports the economy.
Who do we buy from?
We often buy from Stuart at Gone Paddling in Jersey. He is a kayaker and sells quality gear. He is also very competitive on pricing. 07797728040.
Please mention how you heard about him as it helps Stuart know what sort of gear you have been using on our courses.
Gear.
What paddle to buy?
Paddles are your engines. Make the right choice to get the most form your kayaking.
Lightweight paddles are less tiring to use.
Large blade areas provide plenty of power but can be more tiring. Experienced paddlers often use them as they give plenty of power and connectivity with the water.
Many sea kayaking paddles are elongated to give a more gentle action. The argument is that this makes for a ‘lower gearing’.
People often talk about low and high angle paddling styles.
Low angle paddling may seem less tiring but is a less efficient and responsive method of paddling. It can indicate poor technique.
If you learn a high angle paddle style it is easy to drop to a low angle style when conditions demand. It is harder to move from a low to high angle paddle style.
Learn good forward paddling techniques.
There is a difference in blade areas available for children and women.
What paddles do we use?
Lendal Archipelago, Lendal Nordkapp asymmetric paddles on spun shafts and Lendal Kinetics. They offer good weight to strength ratios.
We also use Werner Shona paddles for the smaller paddler. The light weight and strength make these designs more expensive. Werner Paddles have a very useful paddle selection FAQ section
Our child sized paddles are Lendal Gremlins.
Paddles cost from ÂŁ45-ÂŁ300+ depending on construction. You tend to get what you pay for.
Cagoules or paddle jackets
We use Palm products.
It is important to have a kayak cagoule (or cag) in case it gets cooler on the water.
Wind chill is a major cause of hypothermia. A light wind will take away your body heat.
Wetsuits
Wetsuit arms can be restrictive when paddling. We use Palm long Johns which are cut for kayaking. Most of our staff use Palm wetsuits. We have Male and Female sizes as well as children’s sizes.
If you kayak or fish all year consider a Dry suit made by Palm or Lomo. A good investment and, in an emergency a life saver especially if you paddle in cooler waters.
Trolleys
The Eckla trolley (that plugs into the holes on the Scupper Pros etc) is not as durable as the simple Eckla Canoe trolley. There are many designs about.
The C-tug trolley from New Zealand is very good but bulky. An all terrain design.
You can make your own with a bit of DIY. We recently saw one constructed out of plastic drainpipe that seems to work very well and used pram buggy wheels.
Safety kit
Buoyancy aids
We use Palm centre buoyancy aids which are designed for kayaking.
Buoyancy deteriorates over time. After about 5 years the buoyancy may well have decreased by up to 50% or more.
Be very careful when buying second hand buoyancy aids as they may be of little use. Wash kit after use and store properly to prolong life. Wear the correct size.
Paddle leashes
If paddling on your own consider a leash for both you and the paddle in case you fall in. It is surprising how fast a kayak can drift away form you in even a light wind.
Buy or make a simple tow-line.
Useful if with young people who can get tired easily. It also enables you to moor up your kayak when invited onto yachts or when taking a walk. Just make sure you have secured the kayak in case it floats away.
Think of a tow line as a helping hand to be used if someone is finding the going a bit hard.
Practice towing so you know what it feels like. Towing is harder than many realise.
Know your limits
Get experience paddling outside your comfort zone with people who are skilled to provide the safety back up.
Should you ever find yourself in difficult conditions you will then have some past experience to draw upon.
If you can think-“Yes I’ve experienced something like this before” you’ll be in a better position to modify and respond to the situation.
Transport and storage
Car roof rack.
Often an unexpected cost. Car roof racks and roof bars to transport sea kayaks can be very costly. All car manufacturers have a maximum loading for a roof rack.
There is the added issue of loading and unloading the kayak and impact on your back.
Some use a C tug trolley upturned on the rear window of the tailgate to roll the kayak onto the roof rack over the wheels. You may need to make some attachments for this.
Who will help you lift the kayak on and off the car? Many back injuries occur when trying to lift a kayak alone. A good reason to go out with others.
Storage
Somewhere safe and accessible. This may not be an easy option and a good reason why some prefer to just go on tours or courses where the cost of the kayak is included.
Courses and training
We run courses to develop skills and seamanship. This can include taking British Canoe Union Star tests, a standard of kayaking ability recognised world wide.
Courses and awards give you a solid technical and practical base.
Remember:
Even if you invest in your own gear we can still offer you places on our trips and courses at special “member” rates.
The above is for information only and you kayak and use any of the advice at your own risk.
Get professional tuition, go on courses and learn to sea kayak. Most importantly be safe and have fun!
