Ocean Kayaks, let's go paddling!
Ocean Kayak is the originator and leading manufacturer of the world's favorite sit on top kayaks.
We have designed the most innovative, durable, and comfortable sit on top kayaks and accessories at affordable prices since 1971.
No other sit on top kayak manufacturer can offer you the selection, innovation, and service. You may be able to find sit on top kayaks cheaper than Ocean Kayaks, but we promise you can find no better value.

Not sure which is the right kayak for you, read the following.

Single Kayaks
Ocean single sit on top kayaks - Big Yak, Frenzy, Scrambler, Venus, Mars, Caper, Scupper, Drifter & Prowler kayaks.
Sit on top kayaks have a few advantages over sit-insides, one of which is comfort. Paddlers with large body types, long legs, or limited flexibility feel less confined paddling a sit on top kayak.
One of the biggest benefits, though, is the self-rescue. Because sit on top kayaks have an open deck, there is no risk of being trapped in the boat if it tips over.
Today's sit-on-tops are not only great for most traditional paddling situations, they make the perfect platform for snorkeling and scuba diving, as well as casual water play. Many paddlers swear by sit-on-tops for ocean surfing, exercise, camping, touring or just relaxing.

Tandem Kayaks
Ocean tandem sit on top kayaks - Malibu Two, Zest Two & Aegean kayaks.
Do you plan to paddle solo or tandem? While one person can paddle a tandem kayak alone, it requires sitting in the rear of the kayak while ballasting the front.
On the other hand, it's a lot of fun to go out with a partner, often safer, and usually cheaper than buying two kayaks.
The Malibu Two sit on top kayaks have a jump seat between the front and rear seat wells. This balances the weight when paddling alone, and is a good option if you want to paddle both tandem and solo.

Angler Edition Kayaks
Ocean Angler Edition sit on top kayaks - Caper, Drifter & Prowler kayaks.
Do Ocean Kayaks give fisherman an unfair advantage? You bet!
Few boats besides kayaks can be maneuvered into such sought after fishing spots.
Commercial sport fishing boats must stop short of kelp beds, reefs, and shallows.
Kayaks can be paddled to the precise spot where the fish are waiting.
Lakes and streams with inaccessible shorelines become easy game in a kayak.

More and more anglers are using sit-on-top kayaks these days, and they have good reasons for doing so.
More time to fish, less time hauling your boat, maintaining it and waiting at the slipway.


Basics 1-2-3
Your Ocean Kayak boat has basic features. The front of the boat is the bow and the rear is the stern. When looking forward to the bow, the left side of the boat is port and the right side of the boat is starboard. The hull ID number can be found on the starboard side of the boat, on the bow and stern.

In the middle of the boat, there is a cockpit area with a seat (towards the stern) and foot wells (toward the bow). Inside the cockpit, there are holes that go all of the way through the boat called scuppers. These scuppers allow the boat to drain. On many of the models, there is a bungee in the front of the cockpit and behind the seat. This allows you to secure gear to the deck of the boat. Your particular model may have hatches that allow access to the inside of the boat for gear storage. Some models feature a molded-in tank well for dive tanks or small ice chests.

Alongside the cockpit are a series of small "U" cleats, called accessory strap eyes. These are used to attach accessories to the boat, such as backrests and knee braces.

How To Paddle
To start, sit in your kayak. Your backside should be all the way back in your seat and your knees comfortably bent. To find the proper foot well, straighten your legs all the way out and then bring them back one "well." If your legs are too straight, you may find you put strain on your lower back. If your knees are bent too far, you may end up knocking your knee caps when you paddle.

To find your hand placement on your paddle, start with your hands about shoulder width apart and centered. If you place the center of the paddle on the top of your head, your elbows should form slightly less than a 90 degree angle. There should be an equal amount of paddle shaft and blade beyond both of your hands.

Some paddles may have the blades offset, or feathered. A feathered paddle presents less surface area for the wind to catch. However, a special technique must be used to get both blades in the water. If the paddle is a right hand control, (when the right blade is held vertical, the left blade "scoop" is up) the right hand will stay tight and your left hand loose. To learn the process, hold the paddle tight in your right hand and loose in your left. Using the right hand, rotate the paddle blade back and forth; it should slide through your left hand. Now take a stroke on your right, cock your right wrist back (left hand staying loose and somewhat open) and take a stroke on your left, and so forth. If using a left hand control paddle, reverse the process: the left hand stays tight and the right loose.

The basic paddle stroke is a forward power stroke. Place the paddle blade in the water near your toes. Pull the paddle blade back alongside the boat to approximately your hip. Lift the paddle blade and take a stroke on the other side.

If the paddle blade drifts out to the side in an arc, it will force the bow of the boat to swing away from the paddle blade. This is called a sweep stroke and is used to turn the boat.

Ocean Kayak Paddle Tips
Ocean Kayaks are very easy to use and very forgiving. By beginning in calm water, you can quickly get the feel of the boat and paddle techniques, and practice getting in and out of the boat by yourself. A long paddle will allow for a longer stroke, while a shorter paddle will give a shorter, faster stroke. Relax your hands when paddling - you don't need to hold a death grip! Sit with good posture, keep your torso vertical and choose a footrest position that will allow your knees to be slightly bent. For greater efficiency, use not only your arms, but your torso and shoulders as well. Start out easy until you get the feel of the paddle and the steering strokes. Most experienced paddlers use an offset (feathered) paddle, but beginners may prefer to keep the blades square.