Sit Inside vs Sit On Top Kayaks - Which Is Better For You? | Kayaking 101 

I have the chance of having both sit inside and SOT kayaks 😊 I use my sit in mostly in winter, and to long trips, whereas the SOT is super fun in summer, one can even get out of the kayak at middle of the sea and take a quick bath! Always be sure that there’s no current or wind that can put your kayak away from you. Also when a friend with no experience in kayaking came with me, I feel more confident about possibles falls and assisted rescue if he/she uses the SOT. I noticed that contrary to the youtuber experience, I feel better positioned on the SOT, more like my old race kayaking or surf skis, because I’m more free to use the legs on torso rotation. Sit in kayaks impose some restrictions to the legs position because of the cockpit, and the footrest that are stickied to the lateral side of the kayak: in general we use a “frog” like position with external hip rotation and wider separation between feet. Better to control the kayak in the longitude axis, but less efficient to push on the forward stroke! Recently I discovered some surf ski models that reach 55 cm or even 60 cm wide, where you can paddle as in a real race K1, with less formation needed. They are quite expensive though 😅

It's really encouraging to see many comments from folks with hip and knee etc. problems,. I have right hip and left knee issues, and wondering what I could do, now that cycling is a problem for me. I've never been in a kayak, but now I've signed up for a local fundraiser trip on a local river. Looking forward to seeing if I can manage it.

I started kayaking while walking with a cane, I used a SOT because of my physical issues. Now I'm a guide on a flat tidal river in Fl, I'm trying out a sit inside tomorrow for the first time, going to be an interesting outing. Thanks for all the reviews and how to videos, you've helped me out quite a lot in my choices in gear and how to use it properly, so thanks again and keep the videos coming.

Wish I’d seen this before I bought my first and I liked the sit in until I had trouble getting in and out of it. I’m 76 yo and quickly decided to sell it and buy a sot and I’m much happier.

I'm general when it comes to fishing, SOTs will almost always be better. Easy to get on and off, more room to make casts, and if your kayak is stable enough then you can even stand up. Even though I got my first kayak a month ago, I feel like I've learned a lot, and videos like this really helps with the smaller things that people typically look over but may be important in the future.

I have thought about kayaking for a long time. I am near retirement with knee, hip and back complaints. Two weeks ago my co-workers took me out in a sit inside. I had so much fun! I’ve now bought a SOT to afford me independence. Thanks for the information. You did a great job of explaining and I appreciate your effort!!!!

I always had sit in and loved them, but now I’m living in an area with a VERY deep lake, so the fact that it’s pretty much impossible to sink a sit on kayak has made me reconsider when it comes to buying one for this lake. I think the sit in did wonders for the shallow rivers where I come from, but now with a lake this deep, not worrying about losing my kayak is definitely a huge plus when it comes to sit on top

As a begginner, your videos helped me a lot. Great tutorials. I chose sit inside for the feel and found it more stable than sit on top. Thank you.

At 58 I've owned canoes all my life. I just bought a 10' sit inside for a father's day camping trip with my son & grandsons. Had a blast, never felt unsafe, my grandson was surprised that it was my 1st time in a kayak. Looking forward to many more trips! Thanks for your guidance!

Thanks for the bicycling reference. Avid cyclist just getting into the sport. Now, just like a road bike..ill get obsessed with frame/hull composition and design! It never goes away! And not bringing up the motorcycles! Another rabbit hole..lol. really enjoy the presentation of your clips. Thanks so much.

Love this video. Thank you. At 73 years old I just bought my first SOT kayak . Love it

FIRST CLASS video. i have a canoe and it's just to heavy for one person to lug about, so i went to the store today and left not knowing whether i wanted a sit in kayak or on top, now i know and it's definitely a sit in, it's a connection thing and the comfort of paddling, just need to get up to speed with the rolling. Thank goodness i spotted this, brilliant, thank you.

Dan, this was one of your best videos! Awesome explanation and demonstration on differences between the two styles. This is a must watch for anyone deciding on what’s the best type of kayak. I’m not an experienced kayaker and until I am, feel the SOT is the way to go for me. Thanks for the breakdown.

Great video Dan! Bought my first kayak last year based on watching many of your vids. I selected an inexpensive SOT and an upgraded paddle. I have added lots of options to make it a fishing kayak. I lot it. Being 70 and not so trim anymore this was a good selection for me. Thank you!

Ive had both sit ins and sit ons. I also car top. I use them strickly for fishing. I can say that there are advantages and disadvatages to each. But after messing with both types I personally prefer the sit inside. I love how easy they paddle and how quick they are. I also love the super lightweight for car topping. Now I can say the sit inside I have is built to fish from. It has the nice lawnchair seat and rod holders on it. But thats just my preference.

This is great info and clearly explained! I’ve wondered whether I could do a kayak. I’m older now and don’t want to try to manage a canoe alone, but this gives me confidence in trying a kayak. I’m in Missouri and floating small rivers is the primary use here. I’d love to be back on the water.

This explains a lot. I kayaked a lot in my teens and twenties, but have been limited to occasional hires for about the last 25 years. I've found any time I've hired a sit inside it's been fine, but any time I've had a sit-on-top, I haven't been able to get on with it due to lack of back support. The ones I've hired seemed to have much lower back support than the one you were demonstrating. However, when you mentioned about bracing your knees under the deck of the sit inside kayak, it all made sense, and not being able to do this is why SOTs have just felt wrong to me.

I have been kayaking for years. I have had a Dagger Charleston for years. Love going kayaking.

I really appreciate all of your videos, but this one in particular! Watching you get in/out of the kayaks both on land and in water was so helpful! I've only gone out a few times on rentals, but just bought my first pair of kayaks and I've been so worried about this! Thank you!

Thanks for making this video Dan. I'm just getting into kayaking up until now I had only done rentals but have been looking into getting my own. I've been really inspired by this river that I've been visiting I see a lot of people having fun swimming, riding around on jet skis or in boats and thought well the lowest point of entry for a water based vessel is a kayak and they're super fun. Hoping to pick one up soon and make some memories! Cheers

As one who fishes out of his kayak, I much prefer a sit on top..I did have a 10ft Manatee deluxe, sit in kayak, but now use the Pelican Catch 100, another 10ft kayak. The sit on top handles the choppy water better, and the bow design dissipates the water, while keeping you dryer! It provides much more room for tackle, and overall ease of fishing..the recling seat makes the "ride" much more comfortable!

I’m new to kayaking, and your expertise is awesome for my confidence.

Hi, I have used both styles of kayaks, not to mention a high quality inflatable kayak. I'm not a big person, 5'2 and 125 pounds. I found that the inflatable worked best for me. It's much lighter and I can adjust the weight just by adding or letting out air. It's easy for me to transport.Plus, because I'm so short, it gives me a lot of storage both behind the seat and in front of my legs. My kayak is 10' 5". I kayak fish, so this comes in handy. Oh, lesson learned, I recommend getting a paddle leash. I learned that the hard way, lol.

Really helpful info, I am now leaning towards the SOT style, at least for my first Kayak.

My husband and I purchased SoT types because of more stability vs stealth. We are calm water paddlers, 😉, so we don't need anything for speed. We also love the additional storage they provide.

Dan, this video is a 5 star! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I had a hard time deciding which kayak to get and you helped me make a huge decision! I’m so glad you broke it down and even demonstrate on water that I enjoyed & passed this video to my family & friends. Thanks so much, awesome video!

Sit inside scares me because I’m paranoid about snakes or spiders nesting inside it lol

This was very helpful - more than just a comparison video 👍. I have a sit-in and had difficulty getting back in after a tip. Now I know that I should have been getting my legs up and "swimming" onto the kayak like with an ice self-rescue. It was also useful to see how you got in/out.

The microphone really improves the sound - a nice touch 👍🏻

I have a big, aluminum canoe that my dad bought in the early 1970s (19ft, I think). I went out with a friend and paddled her sit-on-top kayak for several miles in the local river. Dang. It wore me out. It takes way more effort to paddle, sitting that close to the water. In my canoe, I can lean forward and it feels like I'm using my whole body to paddle, rather than my scrawny arms and shoulders. I give props to anyone who lays down miles in a kayak. Y'all are beasts!

Always great info! I can’t stress enough the difference in speed between the 2! When I go on the river with a group I can’t keep up in my SOT! So now I have both😁!

Im feeling more confident going with an SOT as my purpose will be some exploring local bodies of water as well as fishing and i feel the flexibility of the SOT will be better, as well as ill be by myself so i find peace of mind in the fact i just have to flip it back over and it wont sink. The sit in definitely is faster and if my main purpose was river going with friends then id probably choose that one.

I loveeee your videos! My husband and I just got some kayaks that SOT! We love them so much. I definitely already had my experience of falling out of my kayak! That was a fun experience. 😂🤦‍♀️ Now I see how you do it.. and it will be so much easier the next time it happens!

Nice Vid @ all! I just can say: Test what is the right for you. Sit in Kajaks are not for me, because i am 1.90cm an have long legs. Enter in and out is very tricky when on a landing stage.... And for me, i dont like to sit so deep to the waterline.🤔 But extrem negativ on a sot is @ cold weather. You knees will be frozen so fast an thats an huge problem. I own a Tarpon 160. Greetings. From North Germany. 👋 I am a big Fan of this channel. Keep it up.

I feel like the entry price sit on tops are so much better utility and value than the sit in which is a shame because I do like the mobility and speed of sit in, especially the long tourers

Excellent video; it demonstrate exactly the differences between the kayaks and more important how it "fits" (67 year old) into your own skill set. Thanks.

That was a rather helpful video sir. Many thanks! I'm now certain that the SOT I was recently given will meet my needs for fishing just fine. Down the river if I choose to pursue sport yaking I'll get a sit-in style.

Thank you so much for the advise for bad knees and kayaking. I’m so excited to try it now.

Well Done !---Concise, Fast paced--Good Job !

Thank you for such well detailed video, your honesty and courtesy. Right to the point . Less than 15 minute video and everything covered. HOOAH!

Get a sit on top. Saver and better for easy access. I'm building a fishing kayak, sit on top. Perfect for fishing. I fish out of a sun dolphin 🐬 now lol It gets the job done, for now!

Rent then buy is my policy. Love my sit in. Love down river trips camping. Kayaking is great! Made my son prove he could get back in boat before he could take it out!

Thanks for covering EVERY aspect of these kayaks, and in different waters! Very helpful!

Great Vid Dan. I recently bought a sit in Pelican Mission 100 from Costco and take it down the Leeds-Liverpool canal at Rodley. Absolutely love it. I’m 60 next week, and reasonably fit and healthy, but so glad I took the plunge and got started. Off to Scotland next and looking forward to paddling along the shores of Loch Linnhe. Kayaks got a holder for a can of Carling as well! Can’t wait! Subscribed and looking forward to more videos 👍

I would pick the sit on top as first time. Because when it’s that easy to flip the regular kayak, you don’t want that drama as first timer.

I do believe you asked and answered about any questions I had to make my decision. Thank you very much.

I'm a newbie and having tried both, I much prefer sit-ins. :)

The Juntos will be my end-of-summer gift to myself.

Great information packed into a short video, good job, you definitely helped me narrow down my decision. I appreciate the video

0:58 I was looking for a way to get into edging, thank you for showing me how to edge!!

My actual goal is one for a several day camping trips and thinking about a sit in. But after watching a few videos about it I have changed my mind and thinking about a SOT one reason I have had 4 surgeries on my right knee and would be easier getting in second reason a SOT looks like it can hold a little more gear then a sit in and speed isn’t necessary I want to enjoy what is going on around me

Unfortunately SOT kayaks are under-rated. There is a lot of prejudice against sit on top kayaks. As an owner of 2 sea kayaks, 1 river kayak, 1 downriver kayak, 2 surf kayaks, 2 surfskis, and an old Necky Dolphin SOT -- I still find the Dolphin a lot of fun to paddle especially in esturaries and rock gardens and for snorkeling. Even though I can roll my Dolphin equipped with knee straps and paddle it all day at 3.25 knots -- the kayak club I belong to refuses to allow me to use it on club trips. I think they are missing out on the safety/rescue capabilities that a sit on top like the Necky Dolphin offers.

Good video Mr Dan, just a new kayaker, rented 2 different SOT's, Ocean Kayak more stable. Still gonna rent Sit inside to see the difference, thanks.

I've used many SOT and SI kayak's. I definitely prefer a SI kayak. As far as water getting inside that is why i have a small hand pump to get any water out. Either way you can't go wrong .

Dan great video. Very informative and you did a nice job comparing the trade-offs.

For someone that has been thinking about getting into kayaking with an injured leg/ankle thank you for this video. I know now sitting inside would NOT work for me. I had a hard time getting in and out of my 2015 Camaro and I can see now this would just be a nightmare lol. I'm just looking for an outdoor activity I can enjoy and get a workout without using my legs (walking/standing is something I can only do in short durations).

Very informative and entertaining!!!!!!!! I liked the variety of demos. Videography is well done.

Tried both, I prefer sit inside. Have a FF Aventura 125, great kayak!

Excellent coverage and advice!

SOT for the win!

Thanks Dan excellent video. I have a SOT( FFree Nomad) which is great - stable and easy access egress but I have just bought a Dagger Axis, sit inside. The Dagger is great but I find getting in and out on my local rivers/canals is a real effort with often a 4' drop to the boat. I must persevere because the sit is much faster boat.

Thank you Dan, this was very helpful. I am planning on getting a kayak this year. Next month I will be attending a kayak demo which is being held by a local kayak shop where I live. I can't wait to get into this sport. Dan you are the man.

Getting my first kayak in a couple weeks cant wait to get out paddling

So kind of a hard question- Seeing all the various people out there trying to paddle, what do you recommend for bigger folks? My friends want to get into kayaking as a way to have fun while getting in better shape… But there seems to be very little info, suggestions or recommendations for people who are over the recommended weight parameters of most kayaks…

I have both. I just got a dagger axis 12.0 last year. Man was it hard to find. I had to drive 2 1/2 hours to get it. I love it. It paddles really well and is much faster and with less effort than my 10ft sot (pescador). I like the sot too but I like my dagger a lot more and find myself using it 90% of the time I kayak. I also have a hobbies outback, but that's really a different beast thati use make for fishing. Sometimes I'll take it out on a Kentucky lake to float around and relax too. I still think about getting an eddyline or similar. There aren't any around to demo though.

Awesome video! You showed exactly what I need to know before buy a kayak. Thank you!

I’ve seen a few of your videos now Dan and I find them to be very helpful. The way that you explain things in your comparison is very thorough. What type of kayaking lifejacket would you recommend for fishing and day tripping on longer paddles?

Great video man! Thank you, your videos are always informative

Tried posting my personal comparison, but RU-vid is currently eating my comments. Thank you for the comparison, it helped confirm some things, and consider some others.

Good information. 👍 Glad to see you using a lavalier mic, too. 👍👍

I found it very educational; however, still can't decide between the two styles. I might have to make a trip up to Lodi for some comparison.

I kayaked for years. Mostly sea kayaking out of Ft Myers FL. In Ohio my daughter lives by a state park that features river kayaking. So she has a garage full of bobber kayaks suitable for floating down the river. I went along using a sit-on-top. I could not get used to the tippy feeling of it. Actually got nauseated. Had to switch with someone with a sit-inside kayak. Much better! And the kid I switched with preferred the sot.

I have a Aventura 110 and I want to buy a Juntos, just because on the sea is very hard to lunch without having water in the cockpit.

Great video. Wondering if you have a video on the gear you are wearing?? I'd be interested in seeing that

I feel sort of torn between this and it may be sort of a pick your weapon situation. My wife has a 10' sit in and i have a 10' sit on for fishing. I like to fish and the sit on certainly shines here from a visability stand point and being able to stand. I also feel like between our two my sot on can navigate much shallower water. Again a benefit for fishing. Now if i were goinf on a trip amd not fishing I would choose the sit in but I feel like having loke 10 different kayaks to choose from us the best choice 😂

Awesome video Dan! Very informative. 👍🏻🛶🍻

Thanks for the help! It was very informative and helpful

Thank you so much for the video. I found it very informative and loved all your points. Thank you for your efforts. One question for you, what would you suggest for ease of entry and exiting while having your dog in a sit in kayak?

How good are inflatable sit insides? I recently bought a paddle board and plan to take some more courses to use it this summer to learn to do faster maneuvers, I come from a background of canoeing and am mostly self-taught, and learned a lot by people who were themselves self-taught so there’s a lot of basic form I need to improve. I did a 5-day trip in Minnesota on canoes years ago. But at one point I got to try out a kayak meant for rivers and absolutely loved how quickly it could turn and maneuver and just how fun it was to operate. I've really enjoyed the paddle board so far, but I think if I were going to get a kayak of some sort it would probably need to be inflatable for the amount of space I have to store it, and I think I'd rather have a sit inside if it's a kayak versus just putting a kayak seat on my paddle board. But not sure if it's really worth it given how compact my paddle board is and my space constraints living in an apartmentat the moment.

Great video brother!! Very educational.

Yeah I'm really bad for laying back and relaxing now if I actually need to paddle then I sit up But just cruising across the river to get to a different area ill lay back and get comfortable

Excellent instruction video, Dan! Thank you so much

I have a stiff knee that doesn't bend all the way. SOT is my only option.

You did a good job of being fair to sit-ons. But it really is like comparing tools to toys.

Once again a great video.

After paddling the sit-inside last weekend, I think I need a sit-inside kayak in my fleet. haha

Thank you for the video. It seems like the sit inside would be more comfortable for the back.

Your awesome…thanks for sharing your love for kayaking 👍

I a, 60 years Old I have a old town dirigo and love it the only problem is I a, having trouble getting out of it . I have had 1 shoulder replaces and the other needs it . Getting out isn’t a problem in a nice clean lake when the water isnt freezing so I can just tip it and slide out . When I’m in a river , lake or pond that isn’t so,etching I feel comfortable doing . So I’m looking for a inexpensive sit in top .

Very useful video. Thanks.

I’m learning so much from your videos and am growing confident that I can get out on a kayak and have a good safe time. But it’s getting cooler. What kind of pants and shoes are you wearing? Do your feet and legs get wet? Do they keep you warm when wet?

Thank you. I enjoyed watching that

Been paddling for 33 years on a sit inside. Because of all the damage I did to my knees in the service, I can't bend them enough to get in a cockpit.

7:23 he mentions seating literally as I started looking at seats for sale. LOL

Really helpful, thanks Dan.

Nice video!! Thanks for the content! Have you had a chance to test any of the kayaks from lost creek?

Really useful review, many thanks indeed!

Rented both last number. Sit in was by far better on my back, faster, easier control and fun. Sit on got very uncomfortable after 10-15mins. Worst thing about sit on is you have to wear pants in summer otherwise your legs turn sizzling red quickly

Excelent summary. Thanks.

The easy “dismount” for me. But I’m more about “transportation”.