At the rental counter, you may be asked: “Sit-on-top or sit-inside?” A lot of first-timers have no idea what that means.
For a first rental, ask for a wide recreational sit-on-top with a backrest, and book a short trip on calm water.
Both types work for beginners, but the sit-on-top is easier to get on, off and back onto after a tip.
A wider kayak is more stable, whichever type you pick.
Understanding the Two Main Kayak Types
Sit-on-top kayaks position you on a molded seat on top of the hull. Your legs rest in front of you, out in the open.
Sit-inside kayaks have a cockpit where you sit, with the hull around your lower body. You slide your legs under a short front deck.
The main tradeoff: sit-on-tops are easier to get back onto; sit-insides keep you warmer and drier.
If the dock has both styles, ask to see them side by side.
Sit-On-Top Kayaks
Easy Entry and Exit
You sit down and swing your legs over the sides, with no squeezing into tight spaces.
That ease helps if you have limited flexibility or balance concerns. Paddling Magazine calls sit-on-tops a great choice for paddlers with limited mobility.
If you tip over, a sit-on-top is the easier boat to climb back onto. The Coast Guard Auxiliary lists sit-on-tops as easy to re-enter.
It takes a little practice and some push, so try it once in shallow water near the dock. Paddling.com gives these steps:
- Flip the kayak upright if it’s upside down.
- Hold the edge just in front of the seat and let your legs float up behind you.
- Kick and push with your arms to pull your chest onto the kayak.
- Keep low, then twist around and settle into the seat.
A friend can steady the kayak while you climb on. If it doesn’t work, swim the boat to shore; the ACA calls that the easiest self-rescue when you’re close enough.
Self-Draining Design
Small scupper holes in the hull let water drain through. Splash from waves flows right back out.
A sit-on-top doesn’t flood easily. The Coast Guard Auxiliary puts “unsinkable” in quotes, so wear your life jacket anyway. If you tip over, stay with the boat and hold on to it.
Comfort and Movement
You can stretch, adjust your position, or shift around freely. The open design suits warm weather.
You will get wet, which is usually welcome in summer.
When to Choose Sit-On-Top
For renting: first time kayaking, warm weather, short trips, anyone with flexibility or balance concerns.
Considerations
You’ll be more exposed to sun, wind, and splash. Wear sunscreen and dress for getting wet.
Dry storage is limited. Many sit-on-tops have an open deck area at the back for strapping on a large dry bag, so bring one.
Sit-Inside Kayaks
Weather Protection
The cockpit shelters you from wind and spray. Your lower body stays warmer because it’s under the front deck.
Gear Storage and Performance
Some sit-insides have a rear hatch for gear, but many basic ones don’t. Hatches can leak, so pack a dry bag either way.
Speed comes from length and width, not seating style. A long, narrow kayak is faster than a short, wide one, whether it’s sit-on-top or sit-inside, Paddling Magazine says.
When to Choose Sit-Inside
For renting: you want to stay drier and warmer, you’ll stay close to shore, and you’re comfortable sliding your legs under the deck.
Considerations
Beginner sit-insides have large cockpits, so getting in is easier than it looks. A sit-on-top is still the easier one to get on and off.
If you capsize, push yourself out of the cockpit, then stay with your boat and hold on to your paddle.
A swamped sit-inside is very difficult to empty on the water, the Auxiliary warns. Near shore, swim the boat in and empty it on land, and get help lifting it if you can.
Making Your Decision: Key Questions
For Your Next Rental
First time kayaking? Choose a sit-on-top, the one you can climb back onto.
What’s the weather? Hot days favor sit-on-tops.
On a cool or windy first trip, the sit-on-top is still easier to climb back onto, even though a sit-inside is warmer. You sit more exposed on it, so dress for the water temperature.
Ask the outfitter for today’s water temperature and which way the wind will push you.
Is the water cold? Below 70°F, you need cold water gear such as a wetsuit or drysuit, or another day. A splash jacket isn’t watertight, so it isn’t enough. For gear details, see cold water safety for paddlers.
If wind pushes you off course, slows you down or raises waves, don’t go, or head back to land, the ACA advises.
How long? Beginner kayaks suit short trips on calm water, the Coast Guard Auxiliary says, so book a short first trip. Extend it next time if your back feels fine.
Is your back stiff? Ask for:
- A seat with a built-in backrest
- Foot pegs or pedals
- A launch from knee-deep water
If your back is stiff, or a medicine you take affects balance, ask your doctor or pharmacist before you book.
Bringing valuables? Use a dry bag in either type.
Bringing your dog? Bring your own life jacket that fits your dog, and ask the outfitter about bringing a dog.
Paddling with a partner or bringing gear? For that kind of day, a canoe may suit you better than either kayak.
For Future Purchase
Where will you paddle? Small lakes work with either type. A little farther from shore, Paddling Magazine says a sit-on-top is the better choice because it’s easy to climb back onto and drains itself.
How often? Rent a few times first to confirm regular use. As a rough guide, buying makes sense if you’ll paddle most weeks. For once a month, keep renting.
The Rental-Before-Buying Strategy
A few rentals a year usually cost less than owning a kayak. Renting first also shows you which type and size you’d really use.
When Renting Makes More Sense
Renting works well if you paddle a few times each summer or like trying different places. If you lack storage space, look at an inflatable kayak.
Rent enough times to know you’ll use it before you buy your own.
You can find places to paddle near you on Paddling.com’s locations map. For a short beginner course, check with the American Canoe Association, whose Smart Start course needs no prior experience.
Beyond the Basic Choice
Shorter kayaks, around 10 feet for a recreational model, are the easiest to handle for beginners. Paddling Magazine puts comfortable recreational widths at about 26 to 32 inches.
Ask for a “recreational” or “beginner” model, because these are short and wide for beginners in sheltered water.
Beginner boats of both types are wide, which limits speed and takes more effort. They suit short trips on calm water.
If you buy later, the REI Used Gear section is one place to look. If longer trips appeal, read about kayak camping with a gas stove.
A Plain-Language Recommendation
First rental: a wide recreational sit-on-top, a short trip, and a seat with a backrest.
Second rental: try a sit-inside to compare, once you’ve practiced getting back onto a boat.
Before purchasing: rent each type in different conditions.
Before your first rental, read basic kayaking safety guidelines. Start with calm, protected water until you have the basics.
The benefits of regular kayaking make it worth exploring, and simple stretches help prepare your body for paddling.