A series of channels formed in the bow portion of the deck create both a series of wave breakers and a plurality of footrests inside the passenger compartment of this sit-in kayak. The kayak is integrally molded in a single piece and has a contoured seat with a downwardly sloping, rearwardly directed portion. A combination of the footrests and the downwardly sloping, rearwardly directed portion increases leverage available during paddling.