Many kayakers are moving from the traditional kayak designs to the best sit on top kayak. Traditional kayaks feature a covered cockpit where the legs and lower body of the paddler are enclosed. Sit on top kayaks provides paddlers with easy entry and exit and, they also keep you comfortable because there is ample space to move.
The kayaks are perfect for beginners who have a passion for recreational kayaking, fishing, wildlife photography and paddling along rivers and lakes. As compared to traditional kayaks, sit on top kayaks are more expensive, and they are available in different materials. You can either choose an inflatable kayak or one designed with plastic material.
Another great thing about sit on top kayaks is that they perfect for large people with long legs. They keep you comfortable throughout the paddling process because of the ample space. Find more details about sit on top kayak reviews which will help you pick the right one. The top sit on top kayaks that I reviewed are perfect for inexperienced and professional users. I have picked kayaks that are stable, durable, tough, and affordable and ones that provide easy entry and exit among many other benefits.
Sit On Top Kayaks Comparison Table
Image | Name | Brand Name | Latest Price |
  | Ocean Kayak | ||
  | Riot Kayaks | ||
  | Ocean Kayak | ||
  | Ocean Kayak | ||
  | Lifetime | ||
  | Lifetime | ||
  | SUNDOLPHIN | ||
  | SUNDOLPHIN | ||
  | SUNDOLPHIN | ||
  | Surf To Summit |
Recommended Best Sit On Top Kayak For You
Purchasing a sit on top kayak can be tough especially if you are new to kayaking. I’m here to help you pick the best kayak that will make your outdoor experience memorable. I have reviewed some best-selling kayaks on the market that you can consider purchasing. Check their reviews and make comparisons to land on the best kayak.
After selecting a range of potentially best-camping toilets and taking them through some testing for features authentication, I came up with a list of the best-recommended camping toilets.
1.Ocean Kayak Frenzy Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak
The kayak is designed to fit both adult and kids who love kayaking. Being a small kayak, transporting it is simple. With a smaller length of 9 feet and weight of 43 lbs, transportation is bliss. You can easily lift it and store it without assistance. Additionally, it is designed with bow and stern carry handles and molded in side handles that ease transportation. Storing the kayak is also simple because it has a stern tank well with removable bungee.
Comfort is another great thing you will enjoy when you get the kayak. It has the best seat that every kayaker would love to see in a sit on top kayak. It is designed with a durable padded comfort plus back seat that keep paddlers very comfortable and fit any body type. The kayak gives paddlers four way adjustability so you can paddle all day.
For those who would love to carry favorite drinks, there is a nice place where you can keep them safe. The kayak features a molded-in cup holder to keep your drinks safe and easy to reach.
The kayak is also designed with a durable material to provide kayakers with a long-lasting use. It also has a replaceable rear skid plate that adds on the durability of the unit.
Pros
- Designed with a durable comfort padded seat
- Lightweight hence easy to transport
- Tracks very straight
- Steady to paddle
- Quality construction
Cons
- The seat is too straight for some users
2.Riot Kayks Escape 12 Sit-On-Top Flatwater Recreational Kayak
Because of its comfort and ample storage, you can use the kayak for touring purposes. The kayak is also perfect for diving, fishing or simply touring on the water.
Just like most sit on top kayaks, this one also has very comfortable seating. The seat has a high back rest, and you can customize the seating position to your preference. There are four attachment points molded on straps so you can choose to adjust either independently. It is also designed with adjustable foot braces to keep your feet comfortable too.
The weight limit of the kayak is also great where it can accommodate up to 300 pounds. The only downfall of the kayak is that it is heavy as compared to other sit on top kayaks because it weighs 55 pounds.
Other great features that you will enjoy when you purchase this kayak include an anchor trolley system, integrated console, adjustable rod holder, drainplug, two paddle hooks, front hatch, front and rear storage and two deck plates.
Pros
- Designed with two rod holders and a cup holder
- Perfect for fishing, diving and water touring
- The kayak has a comfortable seat and customizable high back
- Plenty of storage
Cons
- Its durability is questionable
3.Ocean Kayak 12-Feet Malibu Two Tandem Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak
This is because its design that is not only comfortable for whatever your length but also conveniently portable.
Intending to do scuba diving? Whether you are a couple with a child, use this Kayak able to handle a capacity of one, two including an extra young one for a maximum capacity of 375-425 lbs.
This is because it comes with an intelligently positioned three seating position smartly cushioned for the comfort you deserve. The three seats are molded-in suitably.
You will find paddling on the Kayak a smooth experience, courtesy of an accompanied remarkable bow, stern, skid plate and middle plus a tandem for enhanced paddling.
Apart from that, its overlapped foot wells are patented and it also comes with molded-in handles to ensure you get thrilled the right way with stable control of your Kayaking experience.
Every ardent outgoing ocean kayaker would love one remarkable Kayak worth the investment when it comes to the ease to dock?
Then the Ocean Kayak 12-Feet Malibu Two Tandem is your perfect choice to hit the waters with, thanks to the hull and deck design geared for ease of stacking of multiple hulls.
For the most reliable stability and versatility, say goodbye to the disappointments you have experienced from the conventional designs out there with this easy to handle sit-on-top Kayak. Lastly, use its added gear straps to boost your paddling experience as you count on its basic design to provide you a firm platform. Furthermore, it’s a multipurpose deck and a hull enables you to track true and help you handle the challenges of the Ocean wind with less the strain.
Pros
- Impressively lightweight for easy portability
- Can handle a capacity of 3
- Comfortable sitting position
- Easy to stack in multiple hulls
Cons
- Doesn’t come with storage compartments
4.Ocean Kayak Venus 10 Women’s Sit-On-Top Kayak
Weighing only 42.1 pounds, the Kayak brings you the convenience of portability unlike conventional models as you about your surfing and much more.
I love the fact that a lot of engineering has been embraced to put up with a woman’s center of gravity perfectly for extra comfort.
So, ladies, you can save yourself the disappointment from the imitations, thanks to this design’s efficiency suited to transform your Kayaking experience for the long term.
Keen on its dimensions? The Venus 10 is 9 ft. 10 in with a suitable width of 28 in. and the day Hatch Dimensions well accomplished at 6 in.
You can securely accommodate a maximum load of 160 – 175 lb. You sit on a well-cushioned comfort hybrid type of seat dedicated to seeing you through to your destination with much of the fun, just like you intended.
Expect to be a step ahead of traditional designs when it comes to loading fast and hitting the waters, thanks to its rear tank well and bungee system.
Additionally, this is further complimented by the Venus 10 specifically dedicated car topping handle system for a stable grip, especially when moving fast.
You don’t have to worry about carrying back any water to home from the waters, since the Kayak has been emphasized to drain through its drain plug, ensuring you also experience easy maintenance of your Kayak.
Simply put, this is one fast Kayak that won’t let you down; it stays well balanced to guarantee steadiness all you’re the way to the destination of your choice.
Pros
- Conveniently Portable
- Designed with a drain drag
- Well balanced for excellent stability
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- Doesn’t come with plugs
5.Lifetime Tandem Sit on Top Kayak with Back Rests, 10 Feet, Green
If this is the case, then you can never go wrong with this Kayak, thanks to its 500 lb. capacity and a dedicated tunnel hull design heightened for the most reliable stability with almost zero possibility of tipping over.
This is one of the unique Kayaks that prides in providing the much-needed comfort complimented with a balance sustaining the ambiance for a single individual, tandem or family out for fun.
Featuring a molded front and rear carrying handles, the sit-on-top Kayak equally comes with high and dry seating to enable you as a professional rider stay off its floor.
You also expect to enjoy the convenience of having ditty trays and shock cord straps to help you secure any loose items on board, with 10′ compact length for effortless transport and the expediency of storage.
Are you keen on the body construction of your sit-on-top Kayak? How about this model’s durable high-density Polyethylene (HDPE) craft that is UV-protected to ensure less fading, cracking and peeling off? This is why it is the perfect choice for those keen on cutting long run costs.
Hit your next surfing, fishing as you sail or paddle with the Lifetime Tandem Sit on Top Kayak that seeks to transform your Kayaking with plenty of fun for your whole family.
Are you ready for ultra-stability and great tracking? How about you get it all from just this single design, courtesy of its hull design? It is the suitable craft that will see you move fast in the waters with less effort paddling.
Lastly, find its multiple footrest positions suited for different size riders at any given time.
Pros
- Comes with reliable and safe stability
- Comfortable to sit on and ride
- Effortless in storage
- Has long lasting body construction
Cons
- Doesn’t come with paddles
6.Lifetime Lotus Sit-On-Top Kayak with Paddle
The kayak is designed with a very comfortable seating featuring a high back rest. You feel very comfortable throughout the paddling process so you can spend quite some time on the waters without getting tired.
Another great feature why kayakers love this kayak is because of its incredible hull design. This design provides ultra-stability and effective tracking for the most fulfilling kayaking experience. It also comes with a paddle so you don’t need to buy one.
If you have used traditional kayaks, you can conquer with me when I say that they do not offer sufficient storage. This is why the kayak is designed with multiple footrests positions to fit different size paddlers. There is also enough room to move your legs and stay comfortable.
Purchasing this kayak is making a huge investment. It gives you value for your money because it is durable unlike other kayaks out there. The kayak is designed with a durable high-density polyethylene construction to serve you for many more years.
When it comes to transportation, expect no trouble because you are well covered. The kayak has easy carry handles for easy transportation. it is also lightweight weighing up to 38 lbs so you do not expect transportation to be an issue.
When you are paddling water may sometimes get inside the kayak. To prevent your items from soaking or the kayak filling with water, it features scupper holes that drain the cockpit area. It also features a tank well storage with bungee cord lacing to ensure that the loose items are secure.
Once you purchase the kayak, it will maintain its look for the rest of its life. It is UV-protected so it is not subject to fading, peeling or cracking.
Pros
- Easy carry handle
- It is lightweight
- Designed with multiple footrest positions
- Its huge design makes it stable
- Quality polyethylene construction for durability
Cons
- No cons so far
7.Sun Dolphin Bali SS 8-Foot Sit-on top Kayak
Want more easy to use Kayak? How about this model’s open cockpit that is perfectly dedicated to ensuring you enjoy and find it easy to enter and exit to swim at the shortest time? This is why it’s incredibly amazing for a reason
The design has been emphasized for a larger sitting area to enable you to achieve much of the comfort you need.
I love the fact that its foot wells have been graduated excellently and molded to accommodate paddlers of any size and age. Besides that, it also comes with a molded-in paddle holder and a carrying handle.
If you are the type paying attention to portability, the Sun Dolphin Bali SS 8-Foot Sit-on top Kayak is designed to stay lightweight including the ease to carry it around in the beach.
Moreover, this modern craft has been conditioned with tracks and paddles that are suitably easy to handle guaranteeing you the maximum stability you ever wanted at any given time while out in the waters.
Hit the great lakes and rivers with a Kayak that is a durable UV-stabilized Fortiflex high-density polyethylene, a superb mark of durability to face the waters boldly.
Lastly, you will have a built-in storage compartment that comes with a shock cord deck rigging for carrying any of your packable.
Sit on an adjustable padded seat back as you enjoy one of the memorable rides you can’t wait to try again, thanks to the incredible Sun Dolphin Bali SS 8-Foot Sit-on top Kayak.
Pros
- Made of durable rugged UV-stabilized high-density Polyethylene
- Easy to enter into and exit
- Has a comfortable molded-in paddle holder and carrying handle
- Boasts impressive stability
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a box
8.Sun Dolphin Camino SS 8-Foot Sit-on-top Kayak
It will live up to not only to your expectations but also provide you with the portability that is uniquely ready to task. This equally implies it will make it effortless for you to store it and you can count on the fact that it won’t take much of your valuable storage space. It is additionally designed with storage compartments.
Why do you need to go for the Sun Dolphin Camino SS 8-Foot Sit-on-top Kayak? It comes with a highly padded seat backrest which is also adjustable implying it can be tailored to fit different body-sized people.
This means you don’t need to struggle with the uncomfortable Kayaks, thanks to this Kayak’s adjustable well-cushioned seat for long time seating without experiencing fatigue.
I love the fact that it has a large open cockpit that enables you to have the ease of seating and an extra room to wiggle around for unrestricted movements while on the seat.
Count on your best paddling techniques to embrace a relatively impressive speed you while in the waters with this sit-on-top Kayak with a solid hull dedicated for remarkable performance.
Get a chance to enjoy smooth rides as you gain traction on calm and mild waters with the Sun Dolphin Camino SS 8-Foot Sit-on-top Kayak, an experience like no other from traditional crafts.
For an even greater performance, paddle at a moderate steady speed to minimize fishtailing as you hit the right speed to your destinations in the waters without any letdowns.
Lastly, enjoy the amazing stability of this Kayak while turning it around, thanks to its square Stern and convenient size. This is undoubtedly a great choice of a sit-on-top Kayak for a maximum weight of 225lbs.
Pros
- Conveniently portable
- Designed to accommodate different sized-people
- Has a suitably adjustable comfortable seat
- Convenient for high speed
Cons
- Doesn’t come with paddles
9.Sun Dolphin Journey 10-Foot Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak
Find this water going vessel lightweight enough not only making it easy for you to carry it around but also to store it conveniently without using much of your space.
Stability in the waters is optimum for a thrilling experience. That is why this sit-on-top Kayak brings you tracks and paddles that ensure the Kayak assumes the most balanced steadiness enabling you to control it effectively even at high speed.
For longevity and less the fading, the Kayak has been intelligently crafted with a rugged UV- Fortiflex high-density Polyethylene.
In addition to that, its portable accessory carrier makes it possible for you to tow it behind the Kayak or use it all together as an added storage compartment. The storage is complemented perfectly by shock cord deck rigging.
The whole package comes with two flush mounts, one swivel fishing rod holders included for an undoubtedly complete Kayaking experience.
Expect to find the ultimate comfort in this remarkable sit-on-top Kayak since it is comfortable to sit on, thanks to a seat design that adopts a built-in protective lining with thigh pads. Besides that, it has adjustable foot braces, a paddle holder, and retractable carrying handles.
Enjoy some of the uniquely designed cockpits of the Sun Dolphin Journey 10-Foot Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak that is easy to enter and exit at the shortest period of time. This is one amazing Kayak as an outdoor fervent you can afford to miss.
Pros
- Light weight for convenient portability
- Comes with user-friendly control and stability
- Comfortable to sit on
- Easy to enter and exit
Cons
- Doesn’t come with an anchor
10.Surf to Summit Sit-On-Top Kayak Carrier
It is suitably dedicated to ease-of-use that will liven up your outdoor adventures while in the waters.
Are you a professional fanatic of Kayak design? For easy attachments, you have brass connectors that are strong enough for any task and expect to find it quick to secure this sit-on-top Kayak to your boat’s scupper holes within a short time.
Never have to worry anymore about water draining, since it built with self-draining scupper holes, a great idea for your ease of cleaning and maintenance.
Are you interested to get out for your kayak fishing, recreational paddling or surfing? This is the perfect idea for your short-distance carriages while moving into the waters as you take your hiking to the next level.
The Surf to Summit Sit-On-Top Kayak Carrier is one intelligent and effortless-to-use Kayak not to mention the ease of maintenance in the long run.
Pros
- Easy to use even for beginners
- Has self-draining scupper holes
- Suitable for short distances
- Effortless to maintain
Cons
- Didn’t find the scupper hole well-centered
How To Choose The Best Sit On Top Kayak
A sit on top kayak allows you to have great moments outdoors when surfing, fishing, and diving among other activities. Before you buy a sit on top kayak, there are several factors that you should be aware of which make up the best kayak. These factors are:
Comfort
S compared to the traditional kayaks, a sit on top kayak is more comfortable because of the ample space available. However, it is great if you check the design of the seat to ensure that you get the best seat. Several factors that make the kayak comfortable such as adjustable seat and backrest with more padding. You should also check where there is ample leg room to accommodate people with big legs.
Weight Of The Kayak
Sit on top kayaks are designed differently. You can get a lightweight sit on top kayak or a heavy one. Manufacturers always indicate the weight of the kayak so, it is great if you check before you purchase. Consider your weight and those of the supplies that you carry, and ensure that it doesn’t exceed that of the kayak.
Purpose
How do you intend to use the kayak? Before you buy a sit on top kayak, you should consider its purpose. Do you want the best sit on top fishing kayak? Do you want one for diving and swimming? Do you want 2 person sit on top kayak? These are just a few questions that you should ask yourself.
Durability
Of course, you want a kayak that will last for many years so that you do not end up buying many kayaks. Sometimes looking at the kayak construction might not give you the right information in regards to the durability. You should read reviews and see what customers who have used the kayak are saying about its longevity. This is the only way in which you will know whether the sit on top kayak is durable or not.
Portability
Do you intend to carry your kayak? If you want a sit on top kayak that you can carry different places, purchasing an inflatable model is the right choice. It gives you the chance to deflate it so you can fit it inside your bag for easy transportation. Other kayaks are designed from tough plastic making them lightweight such that a single person can drag without any difficulty. You should check the presence of carrying handles, skid plates as well as the weight and dimensions of the kayak.
Do you intend to carry your kayak? If you want a sit on top kayak that you can carry different places, purchasing an inflatable model is the right choice. It gives you the chance to deflate it so you can fit it inside your bag for easy transportation. Other kayaks are designed from tough plastic making them lightweight such that a single person can drag without any difficulty. You should check the presence of carrying handles, skid plates as well as the weight and dimensions of the kayak.
Hull shape
When it comes to choosing the hull shape of a sit on top kayak, it will depend on where you intend to use it. The most common hull shapes for sit on top kayaks are U and V. U-shapes sit on top kayak hulls are ideal for moving water. So, if you want the fastest sit on top kayak, you should pick one with a U shape hull. These kayaks provide the best performance in riding the rapids, catching a wave or running rivers.
On the other hand, V-shaped sit on top kayak hulls are perfect for stable waters. However, you can also find other sit on top kayaks that combine two hulls to boost the stability because they have a high center of gravity.
Brand
Purchasing a kayak from a brand that is recognized on the market gives you an assurance that you are getting a top notch product. There are so many brands out there such that it can be tough to determine which provides the best kayaks. Some of the most trusted brands that you should consider include Perception, Old Town Otter, Hobie, Cobra, Wilderness, Ocean Kayak and Current design just to mention a few.
Final Verdict
Kayaking is a fun activity especially when you have the best sit on top kayak. These are kayaks that are designed for beginners and they have a user-friendly designed as compared to the traditional models. Whether you want one for fishing, recreation, surfing, touring or scuba diving, the above models that I have reviewed will offer high level of comfort.
Generally, there is no way you are not finding the camping toilet that suits your need and your pocket too.
We examined different sit on top kayaks in reference to performance, price, comfort, features, and durability among other factors and came up with the top picks. Depending on your budget requirements and features you want, you can pick the best kayak that suits your paddling needs.