Lifetime kayaks are made out of very durable long lasting plastic (polyethylene) - the same type of plastic in the outdoor storage sheds and picnic tables.  In other words, it will last you a very long time.  The sheds are expected to last past ten years with the same plastic material.  With uv protectants and good care you can expect at least ten years of good use on the lifetime kayaks.  The warranty is 1 year, however, even the picnic tables made of the same material last far longer than their warranty of 2 years.  The warranty may change as time goes on as these kayaks are made by Lifetime who is a very large company and the new manufacturer for these kayaks.

Most adults can carry a youth kayak or an 8' daylit kayak alone.  They youth kayaks have a dragging handle.  The 8' kayaks have a side handle.  The 10' kayaks also have a side handle, but it's very difficult for the average adult to carry alone.  However, the 10' kayak has a front molded handle and rear handle so that it can be carried by two adults which is very manageable. 

Whether or not you will get wet when paddling out on a lifetime sit on top kayak depends on the model you are using.  The 10' kayaks you may get a few drops, but only from the paddles.  It is literally only a few drops.  The youth kayak has the potential to get the most wet.  The youth lifetime kayak and other kayaks have drain holes that go right through the kayak to the water to drain water that gets on the top of the kayak.  You can purchase foam plugs to keep little splashes of water from finding their way up through the bottom and onto the top of the kayak.  That's also the case with the 8' and 10' kayaks; they have holes, but the foam plugs are included.  So, if you don't want to get wet make sure you've plugged the holes.

Also, river water or white capped waves are also more risky if you want to keep dry in cold water.  If you want to go kayaking and keep totally dry choose a calm weathered day and a calm watered lake and you should be fine with the exception of a few drops.

Kayaking can be one of the funnest ways to get some good outdoor exercise.  Children love splashing and playing around in the water.  On the lifetime youth sit-on-top kayak 90097, 90098, and 90099 your child will make some good summer memories.  Children as young as 6 years old can do well in these lifetime kayaks (wth adult supervision of course).  The paddles float and the kayaks have a climbing board on the back so the child can get up on the kayak conveniently after swimming or jumping from the youth kayak.  The youth kayaks also have carrying handles making it convenient to transport from the beach to the SUV or vehicle. 

Looking for another good reason to purchase a Lifetime sit-on-top kayak? How about the health benefits? Kayaking can be done leisurely or aggressively depending on your goals - and you see your progress literally as you move across the water. Leave the rowing machines at the gym on hop onto a lifetime kayak for a great outdoor cardio workout and relaxation together. Kayaking is a great way to help tone your upper body including your shoulders, back, and arms.

There are many how to videos and blogs on the Internet showing you how to correctly paddle in the kayak. That can be very helpful and informative. However, the lifetime kayaks that we have do not require such a strict techniques like the kayaks that you sit inside. It is recommended when paddling that you do not bring the paddle past your hips. On sit-inside kayaks you can actually tip your kayak over. Fortunately, that is not the case with the lifetime brand kayaks. The best tip we can give regarding paddling in lifetime kayaks is to make sure that the ends of your paddles are perpendicular to the water. If your paddle goes in at different angles it makes it difficult to get into a smoother rhythm and you work harder than needed.

One of the benefits of the lifetime kayaks is that the adult paddles have push buttons that allow you to adjust the angles of the kayak paddles. This can make for a more effective paddling experience. You place your hand a little bit wider than shoulder length apart. You then align the top knuckles with the sharp ends of the blade. Don't worry, if you happen to drop your paddle altogether it will not sink. The paddles are designed to float and hopefully they won't get too far away before you notice. The paddles also have a one year warranty and are designed to stand up to high temperatures (UV protected) and can handle very cold temperatures. To increase the longevity of your kayak and paddles we do recommend storing them indoors and covering them during the winter.

Our first kayaking experience was great.  We were sold from the moment we set off into the water.  I'm always looking for a good excuse to get my family out and playing. We purchased two lifetime kayaks models 90116 and 90117.  They are both 10' kayaks and can hold at least two if not three kids and one adult.  It can be very relaxing and a great way to bring the family close.  It gives the little ones responsibilities and great for teamwork.