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A mini revolution in kayaking has happened over the past few years, with the continued growth of Sit-On-Top Kayaks or SOTs. They were perhaps frowned upon initially by the traditional canoeing fraternity but no one can deny their success in allowing a whole new wave of people enjoying paddle sports.
To get to the bottom of this we caught up with Rodger Hamilton, Participation and Club Development Officer at the Canoe Association Northern Ireland (CANI).
CanoeNI.com – What exactly is a sit on top kayak?
Rodger
A Sit on Top is a kayak that has no closed cockpit; you just sit on top of the hull where you will have a molded seat and footrest to get comfortable on.
CanoeNI.com - Why have they become so popular?
Rodger
Like most good ideas they are simple and easy to use. Some people fear getting their legs trapped inside a conventional kayak but sit on tops are really stable, even if you do fall off you can just climb back on board again.
Watersports have traditionally been quite expensive but this has changed with sit on tops, they are relatively inexpensive with a starter kit costing around £300-£350 from several major retailers. They can easily be carried on a roof rack and their plastic structure makes them very durable.
CanoeNI.com - What are they best used for?
Rodger
Their versatility is also their strength. People use them to play in the surf, short trips along flat water rivers, and because they are so stable they have become really popular with keen fisherman.
CanoeNI.com - What are the top five tips to paddling on safely?
Rodger
Even though the boats are very forgiving it is still important that you master the basic skills and safety procedures.
The best way to ensure you are prepared is to sign up for a free CANI Sit on Top awareness day. The aim of the course is to raise awareness and provide you with basic skills, rescue techniques and knowledge that you need for paddling in different environments.
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Upcoming CANI Sit on Top Awareness Courses
Saturday 2nd July – Location East Coast
Saturday 23rd July – Location North Coast
Saturday 6th August – Location North Coast
Don’t forget to check out CanoeNI.com’s Have a go section for more have a go days, courses, guided trips etc.
Big Chris has worked with the marketing team for the past 4 years with responsibility for adventure activities and canoeing.
He has made it his personal mission to get as many people as possible out enjoying Northern Ireland's outdoors.
Having 'retired' from competitive sailing he is trying to find something new to fill the void. A recent convert to cycling he can be often found cycling very slowly around Northern Ireland's roads.
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Posted by one stop shop on December 1, 2011 @ 4:15 PM
Ever since I love adventures! Seeing the pictures in your web page, I am already thinking of a great vacation with my family. I know others who would visit your website will be thinking the same.