What Is the Best Whitewater Sit On Top Kayak?
Are you looking for the best whitewater Sit-On-Top Kayak? Well, your search is over! In this article, I will tell you what is the best whitewater Sit-On-Top kayak.
For the best sit-on-top SURF kayak, read our article here.
For those of you who always skip to the end of a book, here’s the short answer:
Pyranha Machno Kayak makes the best all-around whitewater kaya. They have successfully merged two of their previous models (Shiva & 9R) into one badass kayak.
Let’s first acknowledge that there are different kinds of whitewater kayaking. So there will be some individual preference here.
Types of Whitewater kayaking
There are at least five different categories that I have heard for whitewater rafting.
- Creeking
- River Running
- Playboating, Freestyle, or Rodeo
- Slalom
- and finally Squirt Boating. I just wanted to say it. 🙂
Sit-On-Top kayaks are a lot of fun and easy to maneuver. However, if you plan to use your kayak for fishing and other water sports, the regular sit-on-top kayak is not for you.
For fishing in a sit-on-top, you will want a kayak that is a little more decked out with attachments to hold your gear. But we’ll save that for another article.
I am including a video on how to choose a sit-in kayak for whitewater just for more reference.
Best whitewater sit-on-top kayak
The best whitewater Sit-On-Top kayak is a well-maintained, properly sized, stiff kayak. It should also have enough buoyancy to float in rough waters.
If you are planning to use your kayak mainly for sitting, you will get more enjoyment from a basic Sit-On-Top kayak.
But if you plan to use your kayak more for fishing, taking water slides, and other water activities, you need to buy an appropriately sized kayak that can handle turbulent water.
It will help you maneuver through the rapids. Moreover, it will allow you to enjoy yourself more.
Features of the best sit-on-top whitewater kayak
The best whitewater Sit-On-Top kayak has a front, float, and side rails. It has a stern, peg, and bow and stern seats.
A Front-seat would be very comfortable as it allows you to sit with your legs crossed and your hands resting on the outriggers.
The peg seat is a good place to sit as it allows you to steer and look around.
The Float seat is like the front seat. You can sit in this seat and look around. This is the best seat for fishing. With this seat, you can fit two additional people in it.
The Side seats are like the rear seat in the Sit-On-Top kayak. The backrest, or backrest bench, is found on the side of the seat and is adjustable in order to give a better and more comfortable seating position. It is better to have adjustable backrests than to have fixed ones.
Lightweight vs heavyweight sit-on-top whitewater kayaks
Another good advantage of the Sit-On-Top kayak is that it can be lightweight.
The Sit-On-Top kayak by Pyranha may cost more money than a regular kayak. It may cost more because of the construction, seats, and any accessories you decide to buy.
There are cheaper alternatives, but they will not be as comfortable as the Pyranha kayak. They are not as sturdy either.
Conclusion
A Sit-On-Top kayak will keep you safe and comfortable in the rapids. It will be easy to maneuver and will help you get into any position you want. while having a calm and comfortable time.
We have covered the main types of kayaks that are meant for whitewater. You can find different kinds of kayaks depending on your needs. It is important that you make a choice based on your needs.
