TORQUAY KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Three-Up, Sit-On-Top: Family Sea Kayaking from Oddicombe
Hourly hires of the Quatro sit-on-top let families (or a duo and a dog) glide along Torquay’s waters for one to four hours—this guide explains who they suit and how to plan.
Three-Up, Sit-On-Top: Family Sea Kayaking from Oddicombe.
The Quatro sit-on-top is a family-focused sea kayak built to carry up to three paddlers or two people plus a dog, offering a higher, drier ride and better glide than many tandems—an ideal way for young families to try ocean kayaking together.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Three paddlers, or two people and a dog
These Quatro sit-on-tops are configured to carry three adults or a family with two children (under 12), and they can also be hired for two people and a dog for a drier, higher-seated experience.
Stable, higher-volume boats that glide
Longer and higher-volume than standard tandems, these sit-on-tops sit you higher out of the water, reduce the chance of a wet ride and glide more efficiently—making them well suited to family cruising and light touring.
Designed for young families and mixed crews
The design is aimed at young families who want a shared sea-kayak experience: children under 14 can ride with adults rather than needing their own ocean kayak, and the three-person limit means everyone paddles together.
What the day feels like
What the outing feels like
Expect a calm, communal paddling rhythm: these family sit-on-tops are hired by the hour and let small groups sit higher and drier while gliding through coastal water—perfect for short one- to four-hour adventures with children or extra kit.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this hire suits — and when to choose something else.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Quatro sit-on-tops are hired by the hour; hires run from one to four hours.
These boats are higher-volume and can take more equipment than solo kayaks, which helps keep riders higher and drier.
Two people plus a dog can hire a Quatro sit-on-top for a drier, higher-seated experience.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long can I hire a Quatro sit-on-top?
Hires are available by the hour for durations between one and four hours.
How many people can fit in the family Quatro kayak?
The boats are set up for up to three paddlers at one time or for two people and a dog.
Can children go out in these boats?
Yes—these sit-on-tops are suited to families; children under 14 can ride with adults rather than needing their own ocean kayak.
What if we are a plus-size family or have two older children?
If you are a plus-size family or have two 12-year-old children or older, it’s recommended to take two tandems instead of one three-person sit-on-top.
Where do hires start?
Meeting and launch take place at Oddicombe Beach.
Are these boats dry to sit in?
Sit-on-tops are higher-volume and sit you higher out of the water, giving a drier experience with less chance of getting wet than some solo ocean kayaks.