Opinions - sit-in or sit-on and why

[ottabekayaking]

I'm new to kayaking and I'm looking for my first one. I thought I decided to get a sit-in kayak and then was told by a store owner that a sit-in kayak is too hard to get in and out of especially if for some reason you are in the middle of a river or lake and something happens that you come out for some reason. Now I'm thinking I should get a sit-on. I really dont want to come out of it because I live in Central Florida on the Atlantic ocean and so I know there are alligators in the rivers and sharks in the oceans. I am wondering what some more experienced kayakers think of the difference between sit-in and sit-on especially for a beginner.

[treadhead1952]

Hi ottabe,

Like you, I am a newbie to the game as well.

I have been exploring a lot of sites, reading everything I could get my hot little hands on and talking to anyone who is into it in my area. At first I was going to get a 10 foot sit in style, mostly for the "seem to be more secure" idea of sitting inside of something rather than perched on top. The more I have read and discussed the subject among more experienced and knowledgeable kayakers, the sit on top style is going to be the first purchase I make.

While it is possible to get back into a sit inside type if you have a problem, it doesn't appear to be as easy as it is on a sit on top style. Righting a capsized SIK still leaves you with a Kayak that is full of water which means either towing it to shore to bail it out or bailing it out or pumping it mostly dry then sopping up the rest with a sponge. Just getting into it the first time is still going to leave you with some water that you will either have to live with for the voyage or sop up with a sponge to eliminate. A SOT type usually comes with scupper holes through the kayak body that self drains any water accumulations on the go. Getting back on to a SOT, even in deep water isn't that difficult, well, it doesn't appear to be from what I have observed. In either case, my first trip out with my new Kayak is going to include a number of self induced dismounts in different depths of water to get familiar with the procedures required before it becomes a necessity for real. Practicing emergency remounts until you know you can do it without problems is the best insurance I know in dealing with that subject. The same goes for righting a capsized Kayak so you can do it on the fly.

As to your situation with sharks and 'gators, I would recommend being especially careful with any bait and caught fish so as to not turn yourself into a chum slick on the go. No need in giving the critters a reason to sample that bright yellow or red or what ever color you wind up with, object with a delectable scent in the water. Until you get used to handling your chosen Kayak, what ever style you wind up with, I would recommend that you go out with a more experienced group until you feel comfortable with it before going out on individual forays in the swamps and bayous that could put you into a dire situation. Talk to other Kayak fishermen in the area to see how they handle such denizens of the deep. Were it me, I would seriously consider some sort of shark repellent in a can kept handy out on the big blue and I would probably be packing my "Snake Charmer" in Gator country. If you aren't familiar with a "Snake Charmer", it is a .410 gauge shotgun in stainless steel that has a shortie stock and barrel that has room to carry 4 extra shells inside the stock as well as one in the barrel. Over all it isn't much longer than two feet and some real comfort in certain social situations. And just like your paddle, I would recommend that you secure it to the Kayak with a keeper line of some sort since it is possible to lose it overboard. It does float however and being stainless steel, cleaning, drying it off and oiling it up after a trip will keep it in good shape. Depending on where you go, it may not be legal to carry or use for such purposes, so check it out before you get too far into the idea. I couldn't recommend the Snake Charmer as a Shark repellent since once you whack one of them, the blood in the water will draw even more of them and you could find yourself in the middle of a feeding frenzy. Where I live in Nevada, about the only critters I would have any concern about would be a swimming rattlesnake, that just means being highly observant while you are out there and keeping them as far away from you with the paddle ends as possible until they catch the idea that the Kayak is not for their use as a rest spot in their journey across the lake. In your area Cotton Mouth Water Moccasins would be something you may have to deal with in a like manner as they do like the water. Usually you can smell them coming as well as see them.

Jay
treadhead1952
Las Vegas, NV