Sit on top kayaks are a great and easy way to see nature from the water without actually having to go swimming. Unlike sit-in kayaks, there is no “cockpit”, opening, or “inside” for you to sit in. Rather, in sit on top kayaks (or SOTs for short), you sit on top of the kayak deck, rather than in it. Because of this, SOTs are becoming more popular by the day. They’re easier to hop in and out of, and taking a quick dip is as simple as sliding yourself off the kayak deck!
Because there is no cockpit, however, it’s much easier to get wet during your trip on the water. After all, there’s no overhead to keep your legs dry if a boat goes by with a large wake, or if you make a splash while you’re paddling. If you want to stay dry though, there are a few things you can do to make sure you get that view from the water without getting soaked.
First, make sure you’re wearing the right clothing. It’s probably going to be unavoidable that you’ll get a few splashes on yourself while you’re paddling. But by wearing warm, water-resistant clothing, you can make sure that any water that does make it your way will roll right off, and you’ll stay snug on your boat. These can include investments such as dry pants, waders, or rain-resistant jackets. And as always, make sure you’re wearing a life jacket.
Plug the holes on your kayak. Most SOTs have scupper holes, especially near the seat area. These are normally used to help drain out the water from your boat, should any come aboard. However, if you’re trying to avoid getting any water in your seat/on your kayak in the first place, it’s a good idea to invest in scupper plugs. These will prevent water from coming up through your seat and getting you wet.
Similarly, you can keep a bilge pump on board. Bilge pumps can easily take any water in your seat or leg area, suck it into the system, and spit it out overboard. If you’re wearing waterproof clothing and use your bilge pump quickly enough after you notice water on your kayak, you may not even feel the wetness at all!
Make sure you also keep a sponge on board. Sponges are a quick, easy, and super cheap solution to keep your Sit on top kayak dry. Once you notice a wet pool somewhere on your boat, soak that water up quickly and ring it out over the side. You’ll be good as new, and dry to boot!
SOT kayaks are a great option for any fisher or adventurer who wants to get those trips on the water without having to spend a boat-load (pun intended) of money on a sit-in kayak. Because of their convenience, they’re a popular option in warm, tropical areas, primarily because of the ease by which you can get in and out of them from the water. If you want to avoid getting wet while using your kayak, however, make sure to follow these quick and easy tips and tricks, and you’ll ensure that your next trip out will be a dry one!
