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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
Re: Sit On Top vs. Standard & Safety
Posted By: Les Groby In Response To: Sit On Top vs. Standard & Safety (Craig Bumgarner)
Date: Wednesday, 11 October 2000, at 1:05 a.m.
The positive tone of the replies so far is a pleasant surprise. My impression has been that "real" sea kayakers disdain SOT's to the point of not considering them kayaks at all, and their users not real paddlers.
Ocean Kayak's Scupper Pro is what I have paddled for six years. At 15'5" it's a little short of sea kayak length but it's fast for a SOT. I paddle a LOT on reservoirs and rivers in Ohio as well as Lake Erie.
- What are the upsides and
: downsides of the SOT configuration?
The huge upside is being able to get in and out almost anywhere, allowing you to swim and dive as well as make easy launches and landings at places that would be very difficult in a decked boat.
: Can you just climb back in?It takes practice. My way is to position my face at the center of the boat, kick my feet so my body is at the surface and perpendicular to the boat, then reach across with both hands while giving a strong kick so I end up lying face-down across the middle. Then I roll over so my butt ends up in the seat, and I can then turn and pull in my legs.
: - Are these boats rolled or do you simply bail out and
climb back in?
With thigh straps and a back rest, you can roll.: - Do you end up sitting in a puddle of water all the time?
Yes.
: - Is the lack of protection on the lower body an issue or do you just wear
: protective gear such as a wet suit?
In cold water you must protect your bottom (see previous answer). Drypants are great for SOT's.
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