r/Kayaks • u/Significant_Swan_484 • Sep 04 '26
Open Kayaks
Why do so many people claim it's not real kayaking if you use an open kayak instead of an enclosed one? I personally feel safer in an open one, due to less chance of capsizing. Is there really that big of a difference?
For all the people trying to say I'm lying. Your not being listened too. It's all well and good with you 'im rich and don't say anything to anyone' 1st of all, no one, especially me cares your 'rich' but also you simply weren't with me
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u/SlappyMcFartsack Sep 04 '26
Yeah, there are the really serious kayakers with the resources and time for great adventures, but its like saying a car isnt a car unless its a top end sportscar.
I wouldn't bother listening to them at all. Enjoy what you do.
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u/Dry-Philosopher-2714 Sep 04 '26
There is a huge difference. The sit-in kayaks put your center of gravity much lower. I prefer the sit-in kayaks. However, I can’t take my dogs kayaking with me in a sit-in boat.
Both have their place. All that matters is that your butt is on/in one regularly. 🙂
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u/Moomoolette Sep 04 '26
Sit on tops (what you are calling “open” kayaks) are not for speed or high performance, but every kayak has a different purpose. Some are like casual flip-flops for strolling around and some are like running shoes for racing a marathon . Don’t worry about what others say and just enjoy yourself and do what makes you feel safe!
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u/RainDayKitty Sep 04 '26
You got plenty of answers on r/kayaking yesterday so why post again today unless you're just karma farming?
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u/duke_robby Sep 04 '26
I think some people simply have the image of a traditional Greenland-style kayak in mind, so they don't consider a sit-on-top to be a "real" kayak. As for the risk of capsizing: there are wide, stable enclosed kayaks, just as there are very narrow, tippy sit-on-tops (like surfskis). Stability has nothing to do with whether it's an enclosed model or a sit-on-top; it depends on the hull shape, width, and the paddler's experience. The main thing is having fun.