Recreational Touring Kayaks

Sitting inside, rather than on top, can feel intimidating to the inexperienced paddler, but the chance to grip the boat with feet, knees and bottom can help new paddlers feel more secure.  It’s also less likely to wobble and paddlers are better able to apply the forces generated by the paddle into making the kayak move more efficiently. 

Curiously, they’re often easier to get in and out of than Sit on Top kayaks.  Where banks are on rivers and canals are above the kayak, having a cockpit rim in front of you can provide an easy grab handle to pull yourself up and out of your kayak.

These boats look like short touring kayaks.  They share the same basic layout - a long waterline with a sharp leading edge to the hull that helps the kayak cut through the water quietly and efficiently. They have a skeg that can be lowered from the back of the hull to improve directional stability and bulkheads and deck hatches to store your picnic in

Unlike their larger cousins, recreational tourers are generally slightly shorter, come with larger, roomier cockpits and a wider hull to improve paddler security and minimise the chances of an unexpected wobble.