What are the Top SOT Kayaks for Beginners?
Have you ever gone kayaking with a sit on top kayak? If not, then this is something you should try out. There are various types of kayaks in the market but sit on top kayaks seem to be the most popular and widely utilized kayaks.
This is because they provide you with an extremely enjoyable and exciting experience. If you are fond of various recreational activities such as fishing, diving, and so many others, then a sit on top kayak is certainly the best option for you.
Besides offering you an amazing experience, sit on top kayaks are also extremely strong and stable, making them suitable for cruising along strong currents. The fact that they are extremely easy to enter and exit is another huge advantage.
Therefore, if you do decide to purchase a sit on top kayak, then it is upon you to ensure that you choose the best one in the market. The fact that there are so many sit-on-top kayak brands to choose from often makes this difficult.
I will therefore make it easier for you by reviewing various sit-on-top kayak brands alongside fundamental factors you should consider.
Intex Challenger
If you are looking for a sit-on-top kayak that will offer you one hundred percent functionality and efficiency, then Intex Challenger is the best option for you. It is a completely high-quality and easy-to-use kayak that is suitable for all your recreational needs.
This sit-on-top kayak comes with a very sporty and interesting design which is appealing. Furthermore, it is extremely easy to paddle a kayak, thereby sparing you the unnecessary frustration of trying to paddle instead of enjoying yourself.
Similarly, the fact that it has a streamlined, inflatable design is another very huge upside since this guarantees durability. You are therefore capable of maneuvering strong currents and various terrains without worrying about punctures or the kayak wearing out.
It is made of rugged vinyl, which is an extremely strong and sturdy material. This thereby assures you of stability, which is very key, as well as further durability, which is also extremely fundamental.
Moreover, Intex Challenger comes In a bright green color, which is extremely convenient since this enhances visibility while out in the water. It also contains inflatable seats that are extremely comfortable and it is also lightweight, hence easy to maneuver.
Pros
- It is extremely durable.
- It is easy to use.
- It is very comfortable.
Cons
- The backrests on the seats can be better.
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Ocean Kayak Frenzy
Ocean Kayak Frenzy is a sit-on-top kayak that is specifically designed for unique recreational activities such as picnicking, diving, fishing, and so many others. Therefore, if you are fond of any such activities, then this is the most ideal sit-on-top kayak for you.
The first outstanding feature of this kayak is the fact that it is very strong and well-built. It contains a tri-form hull that provides you with maximum stability as well as maneuverability, which are both very fundamental aspects.
This feature thereby makes it possible for you to navigate strong ocean waves comfortably and fearlessly. Similarly, the fact that it comes with a replaceable skid plate is extremely advantageous since this guarantees durability.
In as far as versatility is concerned, it comes in various colors such as sunrise, yellow, and envy, thereby giving you the liberty to choose your favorite color. Further, these colors are extremely bright, hence providing you with maximum visibility, which is very vital.
When it comes to your comfort, this sit-on-top kayak offers you maximum comfort by providing you comfortable inflatable seats that are cushioned. The fact that it contains a spacious stem tank is another huge advantage since this provides you with ample space for storing your equipment.
Pros
- Has bright colors hence visibility.
- It is durable.
Cons
- It has an insufficient cockpit room.
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Perception Kayak
If you are fond of fishing then you do know how difficult it is to find the perfect sit-on-top kayak to suit your needs. However, with Perception Kayak, you do not need to worry anymore. This is because this is a sit-on-top kayak that is specifically designed for fishing.
Besides being the most ideal sit-on-top kayak to suit your fishing needs, this kayak also offers you maximum durability. This is because it contains a hull that is made of polyethylene which is an extremely sturdy material that is capable of surviving harsh conditions.
This thereby guarantees you long-lasting service, which is very important. Moreover, the fact polyethylene is a material that is resistant to the damage often caused by UV exposure is another huge advantage.
Perception Kayak offers you stadium-style seats that are cushioned and thereby extremely comfortable. Further, these seats are also adjustable, making them so much more ideal and appealing.
In as far as your fishing gear or other equipment is concerned, this sit-on-top kayak provides you with a huge storage console that is ideal for storing all this.
Pros
- It is durable.
- It is stable.
- It is versatile.
Cons
- It is difficult to transport.
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Wilderness Systems
With Wilderness Systems, your water-based recreational activities will certainly never be the same. This is because this is a very high-quality sit-on-top kayak that contains top-notch features that guarantee you the very best and nothing less.
The first outstanding feature of Wilderness Systems is its versatility. This is a sit-on-top kayak that is described as multi-purpose, meaning it is capable of being utilized for various activities. This is indeed very advantageous since it guarantees maximum versatility.
Moreover, the fact that this kayak incorporates modern technologies to offer you the very best is another very huge upside. For example, when it comes to your comfort, this sit-on-top kayak incorporates an Airpro system that ensures that you are extremely comfortable.
Similarly, unlike most sit-on-top kayaks, this is a heavyweight kayak, which is also advantageous. This is because it offers you maximum stability, making it convenient for you to maneuver strong currents.
Another very impressive feature of this kayak is the fact that it comes with in-built cup holders. This thereby provides the ideal spot for you to place your drink as you enjoy your kayaking venture.
Pros
- It is extremely versatile.
- It is comfortable.
- Offers you durability.
Cons
- The fact that it is heavyweight makes it difficult to transport.
- It is very expensive.
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Riot Kayaks
The first outstanding feature of Riot Kayaks is the fact that it offers you one hundred percent versatility. This, coupled with its amazing quality and phenomenal features, guarantee you the very best and nothing less.
This is a sit-on-top kayak that is specifically designed to handle any recreational activity. This is extremely convenient for you since you are capable of utilizing it for fishing, diving, picnicking, as well as other sports.
Moreover, Riot Kayaks is an extremely well-built sit-on-top kayak. This is extremely advantageous since this firm and strong design offers you maximum stability, thereby making it an extremely reliable sit-on-top kayak.
You are therefore capable of navigating strong currents and difficult terrains without any worry, which is extremely convenient. Further, this sturdy construction guarantees durability, which is a very crucial factor.
The fact that it has a large storage area for your equipment as well as a cup holder for your drinks, is certainly very advantageous. Further, it contains rod holders that are ideal for fishing.
Pros
- It is extremely stable.
- Has a large storage area.
- It is durable.
Cons
- It is very expensive.
- It is difficult to transport.
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Ocean Kayak
Ocean Kayak is a truly remarkable sit-on-kayak. It is extremely well-built and is made of high-quality materials that make it a very appealing kayak. Its top-notch features are very handy since they ensure that you have an effortless kayaking trip.
In as far as versatility is concerned, this is a sit-on-kayak that offers you this and so much more. It comes in various colors, such as yellow, sunrise, and envy. This is very convenient since it offers you a wide range of options to choose from.
Moreover, the fact that these colors are extremely bright is another huge upside since this guarantees your visibility.
When it comes to the question of comfort, this sit-on-top kayak comes with two seats that are extremely comfortable, as well as adjustable. Similarly, the fact that you are capable of adjusting the seats to three sitting positions is a huge upside since it offers more room for paddling.
This sit-on-top kayak not only offers sitting comfort but also comfort for your feet. It does this by providing you with overlapping footwells that make it convenient for you to position your feet.
Pros
- It is budget-friendly.
- It is versatile.
- Very comfortable.
- It is durable.
Cons
- It is too heavy to move around.
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Lifetime Manta
Lifetime Manta is a sit-on-top kayak that is specifically aimed at providing you with one hundred percent convenience. It does this by providing you with absolute ease of use, thereby guaranteeing you absolute mobility and maneuverability.
It comes in two colors; bright yellow and green, which are very bright colors, hence guaranteeing your visibility. Further, this gives you the chance to choose the color that best suits you, hence providing you with versatility.
The fact that this is a ten feet long sit-on-top kayak is another very huge advantage since this makes it extremely compact, hence easy to transport and carry around. In as far as durability is concerned, Lifetime Manta is made of polyethylene material.
This is a very high-quality material that is resistant to UV exposure damage, which therefore guarantees you that this is a sit-on-top kayak that is capable of serving you for a very long time.
In as far as storage is concerned, it comes with ditty trays and straps that are strong and ideal for securing your luggage. This is also very easy to clean kayak since it contains scupper holes for drainage.
Pros
- It is versatile.
- It is very affordable.
Cons
- Has poor maneuverability.
- The seats are not cushioned.
- Has no storage compartment.
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Lifetime Tamarack
The most appealing feature of this sit-on-top kayak is its design. Lifetime Tamarack contains an extremely intelligent design that results in a highly versatile vessel that is not only ideal for fishing but other recreational activities as well.
It is therefore an ideal sit-on-top kayak for those kayakers who enjoy fishing alongside other activities.
Lifetime Tamarack guarantees you maximum durability. This is because it is made of high-density polyethylene, which is capable of repelling UV exposure damage, thereby making it capable of withstanding wear and tear.
This is thereby extremely advantageous since you are assured of long-lasting service. Moreover, it contains a very sturdy frame, which provides you with maximum stability, hence making it convenient for you to navigate rough waters.
Lifetime Tamarack also provides you with one hundred percent comfort, thereby ensuring that you have a relaxing and enjoyable kayaking experience. It contains a padded seat back that is a very ideal backrest which prevents any potential back pains.
Similarly, it comes with various tracking channels that help improve the maneuverability, which is a very important factor. The fact that it also contains a huge seat is very convenient since this provides you with further comfort.
Pros
- Has a five-year warranty.
- It is affordable.
Cons
- It is slow
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Sun Dolphin
Sun Dolphin is a sit-on-top kayak that contains so many remarkable features, thereby making it extremely ideal and appealing. Besides its high-end features, this sit-on-top kayak is made of very high-quality materials, hence guaranteeing you the very best and nothing less.
The first outstanding feature of Sun Dolphin is the fact that it is extremely easy to transport. This is because it has a very compact and manageable size, thereby making it extremely easy to transport and carry around.
Besides portability, another outstanding feature of this kayak is its affordability. The fact that you are capable of purchasing it at an extremely pocket-friendly price is certainly extremely convenient.
Furthermore, when it comes to the question of your comfort, Sun Dolphin offers you this and so much more. It comes with a seat that contains a padded backrest, as well as protective thigh pads and adjustable foot braces.
All these are meant to ensure that you are extremely comfortable on your kayaking trip, which is very fundamental. Moreover, the fact that it contains fishing rod holders is very convenient especially if you are fond of fishing.
Pros
- Very easy to transport and store.
- It is affordable.
- Very ideal for beginners.
Cons
- Not suitable for experienced kayakers.
- Has a very small cockpit.
- Has low stability.
Factors you should consider when looking for the best sit-on-top kayak
From the reviews above, it is quite clear that there are so many sit-on-top kayak brands in the market. This is disadvantageous since it often leads to confusion, thereby making it difficult for you to find the best brand in the market.
Similarly, the fact that most people never know the features to look out for also contributes to this hardship. It is for this reason that there are various factors that you should consider before purchasing a sit-on-top kayak.
These are extremely fundamental since they inform you of the crucial features that make up the most ideal sit-on-top kayak brand. The said features can also be defined as the necessary questions you should ask yourself before purchasing a sit-on-top kayak.
This is because it is the answers to these questions that inform you of the fundamental aspects that make a sit-on-top kayak the most ideal option.
It is therefore upon you to ensure that you carefully adhere to these factors before purchasing a sit-on-top kayak. This is because failure to do this will most likely result in you choosing a poor quality kayak, only to regret later.
Is it durable?
Durability is the primary aspect you should consider before purchasing a sit-on-top kayak. This is because, just like with other commodities, having a durable sit-on-top kayak is certainly a very huge upside.
There is so much beauty in having a kayak that guarantees you long-lasting service. This is because it spares you any extra expenses that might have been spent on maintenance or purchasing a replacement.
Would you want a sit-on-top kayak that malfunctions after every kayaking trip? To avoid such an unfortunate situation, always ensure that you choose a kayak that provides you with one hundred percent durability.
It is therefore advisable to go for a sit-on-top kayak that is made of polyethylene. This is a material that is extremely strong and dependable, hence capable of serving you for a long while without succumbing to any wear and tear.
Moreover, polyethylene is resistant to the usual damage that is often caused by exposure to UV rays, thereby making a sit-on-top kayak capable of adequately fulfilling its purpose for a very long time.
It is therefore upon you to ensure that you choose a durable sit-on-top kayak since this is certainly the most ideal choice for you.
Is it comfortable?
Your comfort is indeed paramount. This is because you can’t enjoy your kayaking trip when cruising on an uncomfortable sit-on-top kayak. Comfort is therefore a very fundamental factor for you to consider.
Various recreational activities that people take part in whilst kayaking such as fishing require your utmost concentration. This would thereby be impossible to achieve with an uncomfortable kayak since you will be too distracted to concentrate on capturing your target.
Moreover, kayaking is a very enjoyable and exciting experience that is often enjoyed amongst friends and family, and therefore the last thing you need is an uncomfortable sit-on-top kayak.
How then do you know whether or not a sit-on-top kayak is comfortable? You do this by simply assessing its features. Does it contain padded seats? Do the seats have a padded backrest? Is there any footrest?
These are the fundamental aspects that you should consider when determining comfort. If the answer to all these is in the affirmative, then you are guaranteed maximum comfort and relaxation as you navigate the waters, which is extremely convenient.
It is therefore advisable for you to go for a sit-on-top kayak that offers you absolute comfort and nothing less since this assures you of an easy time.
How about the versatility?
Versatility is another very crucial aspect you should consider before choosing a sit-on-top kayak. This is a factor that is often overlooked since most people deem it unnecessary or unimportant. However, you should choose a kayak that offers you maximum versatility.
A sit-on-top kayak that offers you so much more than you purchased it for is certainly so much more appealing compared to one that does not. Therefore, if you are fond of fishing, ensure that you choose a kayak that is specifically designed for not only fishing but other activities as well.
This is extremely convenient since it spares you the time and money you might have spent while trying to look for other kayaks that are suited for other recreational activities.
Besides this, versatility is also manifested in the ability of a sit-on-top kayak to provide you with a wide range of options to choose from. Thereby, ensure that you go for a kayak that comes in various colors since this gives you the chance to choose what best works for you.
Conclusion
It is quite apparent from the discussion above that finding the most ideal sit-on-top kayak is no child’s play. However, adhering to the factors above will not only guarantee you an easy time, but you are also assured of making the very best choice.
If it were up to me, I would certainly choose Intex Challenger. This is because, with this sit-on-top kayak, you are guaranteed one hundred percent functionality and effectiveness, which is very impressive.
The fact that it is made of excellent quality and contains top-notch features that are unmatched, assures you that this kayak will not disappoint. With Intex Challenger, you are guaranteed kayaking trips that are so much more enjoyable and intriguing than what you are used to.
This is a sit-on-top kayak that is well suited for all recreational activities, hence it is extremely convenient.
Therefore, you should not waste any time since your search is finally over. Hurry up and grab your Intex Challenger today!