I never learned to roll. I took a $90 class last year and after an hour an a half I was left exhausted and humiliated. I can learn hours and hours of difficult sea rescue technique… or I can just climb back in? Yeah, pretty easy choice there.
I never learned a proper form, and I’m not getting a boat that makes me adopt one. I will recline in my lawn chair style boat seat before I squeeze into some little backband anyday. Also, I can use the pfd from my jet ski no problem with this seat.
I have a huge inferiority complex (see previous 2 on list), and I prefer the way my sit-on-top puts me a good bit higher than the people in sit in’s around me. If those are so much better, how come I’m looking down on you?
Not interested in Edging - I don’t know what that is but it sounds preverted.
I kept losing the hatch covers. Who has time to keep us with those?
and for the real list
With the right SOT and technique, edging, rolling (thigh braces), and other manuevers are still possible and at least somewhat comparable, imo.
It is really darn hot in Florida right now, and getting some breeze and to dip your legs in is a major benefit. Remembering to put mineral sunscreen on legs, or wearing long pants is far easier than keeping up with a bilge pump, sponge, paddle float, and skirt. And its a lot cooler temperature wise. I know those have their place too, but I like the option.
Swimming and exploring, getting in and out more often at islands and sandbars can be a good bit easier.
Its also easier when I hit oysters - I can put my foot down and push up and back, rather than drag myself off them (more damage) or risk breaking my paddle. If appropriate sometimes I can get off on the reef, which would be pretty hairy getting out of a sit-in.
Being able to stretch my legs out in multiple positions is pretty darn nice. I can move them up, back, on top, in the water. No need to move any pedals or perform gymnastic moves.
Alright so of course I’m not going to knock proper form and advanced technique.
edit, I saved this a draft but didn’t mean to post. oh well, here it is haha.
I chose a sit inside Kayak mainly due to paddling efficiency. I’ve tried both and the sit on top just seemed a bit sluggish in comparison.
I will admit, I do have a paddle float but I’ve not properly practiced self rescue, apart from with someone holding the Kayak whilst I clambered back in cowboy style after doing a wet exit.
My current self rescue plan, if kayaking solo, is to attempt to use the paddle float and if I can’t get in, swim to the shore with it and get in there. Because of this, I tend to hug the shoreline. I do plan on practicing with the float or learning how to roll at some point. It doesn’t help that they don’t make neoprene spray decks that fit my kayak (it’s 60 years old so not a standard size deck).
A sit on top would have been nice when I managed to beach it on some rocks and couldn’t release it without bouncing the kayak on the rock. It turns out fibreglass kayaks and rocks don’t mix too well.
Despite this, I’d still choose a sit in kayak again. As well as being more efficient, they allow for more advanced skills development opportunities.
Although not everyone wants to develop these skills, some people just want to lay back and have a slow, gentle paddle around, admiring the scenery without the worry of getting back in if they capsize which is perfectly fine.
Probably because it can be mightly hard work, so it only appeals to anyone who doesn’t mind the physical challenge, but it’s equally satisfying whether seeking comradery or solitude.
Full immersion as a sport can be costly, but initial investment is typically nominal, with maintenance and operating costs low, especially when compared to power or sailing craft.
Can’t argue with that list as it works for you (very drole too :-)). I’m a sit insider. Often the skirt is more sun shade (and drip cover) than anything else - works for me.
On the topic of oyster beds…from my days paddling the TX golf coast they can be a real pain - literally. I have a nice scar on my left hand (the upside was that I got to actually use my first aid kit). Be careful - depending on your footwear - those things can slice!
Thousands of miles paddled both SOT and sit-inside. Totally agree with you. I remember the day I realized, “wait, why don’t I just climb back on a SOT and paddle away”.
All this assumes a good, narrow, fast SOT. Some of those things are tanks.
