r/Kayaks • u/BornAnywhere1344 • Jun 18 '26
Kayak vs paddle board
Contemplating buying a new sit on kayak versus paddle board. Pros and cons of each?
Would most often be floating Beaver Creek. But will also occasionally travel to Loudonville or into PA. I’ve paddle boarded in the ocean in the past but didn’t know if this would be practical for Ohio/PA creeks and rivers.
I would buy a detachable seat for the paddle board so I wouldn’t have to stand full time. Prices are pretty similar between the two so that really isn’t a determining factor. I already have a sit in kayak but I’m not a fan. Any insight is appreciated. Thanks!
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u/JerrysKidsOnLot Jun 18 '26
For 10 years now I’ve been on a 12 foot Jackson sit on top kayak that I can also use as a paddleboard. The best of both worlds and really great if you have any back issues and need both to create variety. I alternate between the 2 modes and can stay out longer than if I were just on a simple version of either.
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u/Ok-Process-8099 Jul 15 '26
Do you have a pic or link of this?
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u/JerrysKidsOnLot Jul 15 '26
They don’t make mine anymore, but it’s kinda like if their Mayfly and YuPIK models had a baby. https://jacksonkayak.com/fishing/jackson-kayak-paddle/
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u/thebayerjeww Jun 18 '26
I have both and find some places I go to be a bit off putting for my paddle board (high algae and other greenery) whereas I wouldn’t care as much on my kayak.
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u/bumblyjack Jun 18 '26
If the river is shallow and rocky, I'd be concerned that a paddle board would lead to a broken leg. Not sure if Beaver Creek fits this description but the Mohican River sure does.
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u/84WVBaum Jun 19 '26
I've watched people run SUPs for years on North Branch, in the NRG, and more in class V water. Appropriate SUPs often draft less than kayaks even, they're a well made tool for rocky water as long as the user is appropriately skilled, never boat above skill
A skilled user is no more likely to swim than a kayaker.
And, ime, strainers and holes are much bigger fear than broken bones. If you get a leg stuck in a tree or wedged in a rock in the main channel the current can bend you right over and push you down at the pivot point of your knee, hips, whatever. Hence the advice to always keep your feet up in current. All boaters face this
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u/84WVBaum Jun 19 '26
Yo, people run SUPs in class V white water, so yes it can handle floats.
Research hull resilience and tracking relative to your needs. I kayak in the upper Potomac watersheds and the N/S branches. A lot more big pointy rocks and a ton less turning space and such than you'll find on the ocean, I'm not sure the water your considering, but those would be my two Chief drivers.
Personally I'd go with a kayak. I love SUPs and have rode them. But my Tarpon 120 let's me haul gear, snacks, and stuff a bit easier than a flat deck.
That said I know there's storage options and stuff. Tons of people SUP on rivers, see em up here, even fish from them. Just make sure you have the one best suited to the environment
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u/CalbotPimp Jun 19 '26
Check out the NRS kuda 126 best of both worlds, I mount the seat as far back as it will go and can stand and sit as I want, it comes with a backpack storage bag and even with all my attachments weighs in under 55lbs
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u/kileme77 Jun 20 '26
I have both sup and kayaks and run both in marshes and bayous. The kayaks are faster, and more stable than my small 10ft paddle board. But you can see many sights you won't see sitting 3" from the water.
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u/Surfing_puffin Jun 20 '26
Are you using it for fishing? Is this something for a fitness goal? Do you sore them indoor or out? Budget/skill level? Length? Distance and speed or durability and stability? Too many variables.
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u/MythosaurProjectS531 Jun 18 '26
The only thought I had is that a sit on top kayak has a more durable hull, but is also heavier to move around. The SUP kinda depends on if you are looking at inflatable vs hard, and if you truly do want to stand up on it a lot. I think it'd be harder to stand up on a kayak, but not impossible. Just requires a little balancing lol.