I know very little about kayaking but I bought a red LT yesterday. I guess that means I’ll be checking in daily with you to help me expand my knowledge base on kayaking and camping ;-)
Love your short vids... it's the internet, people don't have the longest attention spans in 2023. I've got a Delta, but have always liked the Eddyline series.
I demoed the blue Sitka LT on Friday and loved it. Similar in size to my kayak of 19 years that was stolen off my rack, but better tracking without using the skeg. I’m 5’3, 140 pounds and was thinking maybe the smaller, lighter ST instead, but I really liked the 3rd hatch, larger rear hatch, and greater depth. Is there a reason as a woman that you went with the LT versus the ST? I’m so on the fence.
I'm 5'9 so I definitely like the extra room. We also do a lot of backwoods trips, so the more storage the better. The third hatch was great selling feature for me as well. It's nice to have a handy place for your phone, sunscreen, snacks, etc. Let me know if you get the LT! I have zero regrets with my purchase!
There's a tendency for newbies to favour a shorter kayak and they always regret it. There's a tendency for medium experienced paddler's like me to favour longer kayaks and I regret it! There is an advantage to having a smaller boat-- it's like putting a big engine on a small craft. While you want a longer kayak for speed and efficiency, you never want a boat that's too big for you for the exact opposite reason. The energy you expend starts to become one of diminishing returns.
The Sitka is 2 feet longer than the Kiwassa so no surprise really that it's faster. The Sitka doesn't leave a wake at all so it's definitely not working as hard. My husband still has his Kiwassa. When going through large waves my husbands boat was really smacking down on top of the waves, whereas my Sitka cut through them like a knife. The only possible con I can think of is that the hatches aren't as deep. So it's better to use smaller or long skinny dry bags for packing gear. Mind you I still didn't have a problem fitting all my gear on our last 10 day trek. Just packed it slightly different. What boats have you tried out so far?
@@prairiegirlpaddler6319 thanks so much. I have a couple of recreational kayaks (9.5 Perception SOT and 10.5’ WS Aspire), and the vast majority of my kayaking to this point has been on small local waters. I would like something longer and faster that could occasionally be used for a little bigger, rougher water, too. I’m still a novice, but I think I’d lean slightly to the maneuverable over the stable.
@@hayswebb7304 I think you'd be happy with the Sitka for sure. It's made for open water. It handled rapids quite well, but I don't do crazy rapids. My Kiwassa had a flat bottom so I was concerned that the Sitka would feel tippy because it has a slight keel, but it's very stable.
Really nice video, just curious is you considered a pack boat vs a sit inside at all in making your purchase decision and if so what lead you to the Sitka? happy paddling!
I like the sit inside kayaks better because you can get a good knee brace against the inside, use a spray skirt for rapids, etc. We do a lot of backwoods camping where we put on a lot of kilometres in a day so the sit inside works well for that. I chose the Sitka because of the length and sleekness. Also the skeg feature is a must for me for keeping the boat straight for more efficient paddling. Also, I love the third little hatch for organization! What do you like to paddle?
@@prairiegirlpaddler6319 thanks!my paddling experience is limited to fishing kayaks, sups and canoes so I’m just learning about performance sit in kayaks.
@@theoutdoordad7395 yes, but keep in mind it's 14.5 feet long so wouldn't be great for tight rapids. It was great in rapids where you don't have to dodge rocks.
Forsooth! You speak as if both isn’t an option!! 😜 seriously, I enjoy both. Canoes I love for traveling with 2 or more little people. My youngest is 10 and she’s adventurous! She wants to hit the rapids. I’m old enough to know better, er, know my limits!! We’ve been tandem kayaking (inflatable), but want to have faster, more solid sides, more true kayaking. I prefer kayaks, but won’t turn down a chance to canoe, either. But, let the boat wars rage on! It’s fun to stir the pot!!! 😈
I thought I would have to get used to the feel of this boat, but it instantly felt like home. I am so happy with my choice!
I know very little about kayaking but I bought a red LT yesterday. I guess that means I’ll be checking in daily with you to help me expand my knowledge base on kayaking and camping ;-)
Congratulations on your purchase! I hope you love your LT as much I do. Also, I'm happy to help! 😊
I got the Sitka XT last year in Spring and I´m loving it. I have been on prairie lakes but the one in the mountains are my favorites.
Such a great design! I would love to paddle in the mountains someday. Where have you taken your boat so far?
@wyomarine I would love to!!
Love your short vids... it's the internet, people don't have the longest attention spans in 2023.
I've got a Delta, but have always liked the Eddyline series.
Thank you! I was worried that some of the videos are too long. I appreciate you watching 😊
I demoed the blue Sitka LT on Friday and loved it. Similar in size to my kayak of 19 years that was stolen off my rack, but better tracking without using the skeg. I’m 5’3, 140 pounds and was thinking maybe the smaller, lighter ST instead, but I really liked the 3rd hatch, larger rear hatch, and greater depth. Is there a reason as a woman that you went with the LT versus the ST? I’m so on the fence.
I'm 5'9 so I definitely like the extra room. We also do a lot of backwoods trips, so the more storage the better. The third hatch was great selling feature for me as well. It's nice to have a handy place for your phone, sunscreen, snacks, etc. Let me know if you get the LT! I have zero regrets with my purchase!
There's a tendency for newbies to favour a shorter kayak and they always regret it. There's a tendency for medium experienced paddler's like me to favour longer kayaks and I regret it! There is an advantage to having a smaller boat-- it's like putting a big engine on a small craft. While you want a longer kayak for speed and efficiency, you never want a boat that's too big for you for the exact opposite reason. The energy you expend starts to become one of diminishing returns.
Can you share more of your thoughts comparing the Swift to the Kiwassa?
The Sitka is 2 feet longer than the Kiwassa so no surprise really that it's faster. The Sitka doesn't leave a wake at all so it's definitely not working as hard. My husband still has his Kiwassa. When going through large waves my husbands boat was really smacking down on top of the waves, whereas my Sitka cut through them like a knife. The only possible con I can think of is that the hatches aren't as deep. So it's better to use smaller or long skinny dry bags for packing gear. Mind you I still didn't have a problem fitting all my gear on our last 10 day trek. Just packed it slightly different. What boats have you tried out so far?
@@prairiegirlpaddler6319 thanks so much. I have a couple of recreational kayaks (9.5 Perception SOT and 10.5’ WS Aspire), and the vast majority of my kayaking to this point has been on small local waters. I would like something longer and faster that could occasionally be used for a little bigger, rougher water, too. I’m still a novice, but I think I’d lean slightly to the maneuverable over the stable.
@@hayswebb7304 I think you'd be happy with the Sitka for sure. It's made for open water. It handled rapids quite well, but I don't do crazy rapids. My Kiwassa had a flat bottom so I was concerned that the Sitka would feel tippy because it has a slight keel, but it's very stable.
@@prairiegirlpaddler6319 I don’t have the opportunity to try these around here, so I really appreciate your comments. Thank you!
@@hayswebb7304 you are most welcome! Let me know if you have any other questions! I love this topic 😊
Really nice video, just curious is you considered a pack boat vs a sit inside at all in making your purchase decision and if so what lead you to the Sitka? happy paddling!
I like the sit inside kayaks better because you can get a good knee brace against the inside, use a spray skirt for rapids, etc. We do a lot of backwoods camping where we put on a lot of kilometres in a day so the sit inside works well for that. I chose the Sitka because of the length and sleekness. Also the skeg feature is a must for me for keeping the boat straight for more efficient paddling. Also, I love the third little hatch for organization! What do you like to paddle?
@@prairiegirlpaddler6319 thanks!my paddling experience is limited to fishing kayaks, sups and canoes so I’m just learning about performance sit in kayaks.
@@prairiegirlpaddler6319 does the Sitka feel rigid and responsive when paddling?
@@theoutdoordad7395 yes, but keep in mind it's 14.5 feet long so wouldn't be great for tight rapids. It was great in rapids where you don't have to dodge rocks.
@@prairiegirlpaddler6319 Thanks, I've seen what happens to thermoformed kayaks when they hit a rock, I'll avoid rapids!
Life gave you limes... the man who broke your kayak is the lemon! 🤣
gotta a luv a lady that doesn't know the diff between 6 and 8 inches.
I don't know PGP, I think you should of bought a canoe.
Looking forward to your Northern trip vids.
Cheers
#buyacanoe
😂😂 The battle of the boats!
I bought a solo canoe and wish I had bought the kayak. Kayak is faster and isn't affected by the wind as much as my canoe.
@@michaelwolf8090 I don't have much canoe experience, but I wouldn't trade my kayak for anything! So great in bad weather.
Forsooth! You speak as if both isn’t an option!! 😜 seriously, I enjoy both. Canoes I love for traveling with 2 or more little people. My youngest is 10 and she’s adventurous! She wants to hit the rapids. I’m old enough to know better, er, know my limits!! We’ve been tandem kayaking (inflatable), but want to have faster, more solid sides, more true kayaking. I prefer kayaks, but won’t turn down a chance to canoe, either. But, let the boat wars rage on! It’s fun to stir the pot!!! 😈