Sit On Top
Kayaks
Sit-on-top kayaks have gained in
popularity in recent years, and for good reason. They're an easy
way for the new paddler to get out on the water, they're great for
fishing, they're stable, and they're well suited for a wide
variety of conditions. Sit-on-top kayaks can been seen everywhere
from mild whitewater to lakes to coastal sea areas.
Sit-on-top kayaks have opened up this great sport to a whole new
generation of paddlers. These boats, which are a hybrid
canoe/kayak, are appealing to a wide variety of the population.
Folks who are intimidated or even frightened by the thought of
having their body encased in a decked kayak feel right at home in
a sit-on-top. And fishermen (and women) love the stable platform
and the extra room for stowing their tackle and other gear. And
some paddlers even scuba dive off of these versatile boats.
Now some serious paddlers look down their noses at sit-on-tops,
but that's their business. I feel that anything that opens up the
sport to more people is a good thing, and as long as you're having
fun, who cares what anyone else thinks? Just decide ahead of time
what type of paddling you intend to do, then figure out if you'd
be better off with a sit-on-top or a more traditional whitewater
or touring kayak.
Once you've decided that a sit-on-top kayak is the right choice
for you, then you need to go shopping. The same rules apply as
with shopping for any other type of boat: take your time, kick the
tires, read the spec sheets, and try several models on the water
before you reach for your credit card. There are sit-on-tops that
are designed for almost any use you can imagine, so make sure the
one you do choose will serve your purposes now and into the
future.
Some additional things to consider:
Stability -- especially important if you'll be fishing or
diving from your boat.
Capacity -- make sure the deck and storage compartments
will hold all your gear.
Length -- longer is faster
Width -- wider is more stable
Weight -- sit-on-tops can be heavy. Will you be able to
portage this boat comfortably from your car to the launch site?
And there you have it. If you decide that a sit-on-top kayak is
the right choice for you, do your homework and go for it. These
versatile boats are among the hottest selling kayaks for a reason,
and they can provide years of fun and enjoyment for the entire
family.
Good Camping Gear -- Don't Leave Home Without It
If you're planning an overnight or multi-day excursion, you're gonna need some good camping equipment. Being in the backcountry with lousy gear or the wrong gear can be a miserable experience, trust me on this. Always buy the best equipment you can afford, and consider quality, weight, and overall design before choosing on a product.
Retail sporting goods stores are great, but most only carry a limited selection of camping supplies, and expect to pay the full retail price. Online merchants, on the other hand, offer a wide selection of name-brand camping gear and supplies, and at discounted prices. And online shopping offers a convenient, comfortable alternative to driving all over town looking for that hard to find item.
