sit-on-top
Noun
Meaning
sit-on-top (plural sit-on-tops)
A kayak with a long hollowed-out portion in which the kayaker sits, rather than a cockpit.
Examples
Contrary to popular belief, the sit-on-top kayak hull is not self bailing, since water penetrating it does not drain out automatically, as it does in bigger boats equipped with self bailing systems.
Ordinarily the seat of a sit-on-top is slightly above water level, so the center of gravity for the paddler is higher than in a traditional kayak.
I’d done a little sea kayaking when I was 12, but my kayak experience since then consisted of maybe 10 short sit-on-top paddles in whitewater.
Straight out of New Zealand, the Riverbug is a sit-on-top inflatable that lets your legs dangle over the front while your waist is held in only by a Velcro lap belt.
Sea-kayak sub-types include "skin-on-frame" kayaks with traditionally constructed frames, open-deck "sit-on-top" kayaks, and recreational kayaks.
Traditional-style and most modern types of kayaks (e.g. sit-on-top) require that paddler be seated with their legs stretched in front of them, in a right angle, in a position called the "L" kayaking position.