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•	Sit -On-Top Kayaks
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You sit on top, you fall off, you get back on again. Therein lies the beauty of the sit-on-top. They allow you to fish, snorkel, dive or just paddle around. They are easy to use and comfortable to sit in. They allow your legs to tan. But the finest attribute of sit-on-tops is their ability to introduce people to the sport of paddling in an incredibly user-friendly environment. But don't rule them out if you want to paddle whitewater– they can be a great craft for Class I-III water, as long as you're willing to give up a little performance in the process. A great surfing or touring boat, sit-on-tops are versatile and fun. Check one out.

wave ski (ws): A wave ski is generally a seven- to 10-foot kayak, resembling a surfboard with a recessed seat and footwells. Wave skis are excellent performers, and are usually designed by great surfers of both boards and kayaks. They are generally made from composites like fiberglass and carbon, as are surf skis.

surf ski (ss): : Surf skis were originally designed for lifeguards to punch through surf and reach swimmers in trouble. What evolved from these boats is a long, slender craft—usually outfitted with a rudder—capable of astounding speeds. They are generally in the 18-foot range, with a beam of about 18-inches, designed as race boats or as cruising sit-on-tops. Their narrow beam makes them tippy, but climb back on and keep at it.

Tourer (to): Tourers include sit-on-tops ranging from stable, recreational craft to highly maneuverable and efficient touring kayaks designed for coastal exploration. The key distinction between the tourer and the wave and surf ski is an ability to carry gear, either in a closed hatch or depression in the hull. Sit-on-tops for touring come in solo and tandem models in all shapes and sizes.

whitewater (ww): Whitewater sit-on-tops are a way to enjoy warm, Class I-III rivers. Whitewater sit-on-tops are usually made of plastic to accommodate the rigors of river running. Most also are at home on an ocean wave. They're fairly maneuverable and fast, but not especially well suited for overnight trips. With practice and the right outfitting (hip pads, thigh straps and backband), they are rollable. Closed cockpit surf kayaks can be found in Whitewater Kayaks and under sit-on-tops with the designation SK.
Other Usage Designations (USE): REC=casual or recreational; OC=outrigger canoe; R=racing or competition; SP=special use,

contact manufacturer for details; SCUBA=designed as a SCUBA and diving platform.

lenght (l): As with whitewater and sea kayaks, a longer sit-on-top will boast more hull speed than a shorter one. But inquire as to the boat's waterline—a more definitive indicator of speed.

width (w): Width is the center beam width measured from the outside edges.

weight (wt): Weight is the finished weight of the craft from the manufacturer.

material (mtl): Materials in sit-on-tops are similar to those used in whitewater kayaks. See the Materials explanation on page XX for a detailed explanation. Generally, fiberglass and Kevlar are reserved for racing (as in surf skis for distance racing) and surfing (as in wave skis and surf kayaks), while plastic is used in most recreational models.

Codes for materials: PE=polyethylene (CPE=crosslinked polyethylene; SLP=super-linear polyethylene; LPE=linear polyethylene; HTP=high molecular weight extruded polyethylene); PL=proprietary composite layup, CP=composite layup; KV=Kevlar; FG=fiberglass; GR=graphite; CB=carbon fiber; PU=polyurethane.

Recommended Burden: Target weight range for the boat designated by the manufacturer to achieve optimum performance.

msrp: Manufacturer's suggested retail price.

Go To Sea Kayaks Product Sheet

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