
Seat ShapeĪ fundamental feature that is the foundation of comfort and support. Good support comes from two aspects: the seat shape and the padding. The whole point of a kayak seat is to give you the extra support needed to paddle for longer, making the session more comfortable and enjoyable.

This is typically the cheapest option available. These are generally only paired with inflatable kayaks, though there is nothing stopping you from using them on a solid kayak if desired. Inflatable Kayak Seatsįinally, there are inflatable kayak seats available. Though it is important to remember that the higher you are sitting, the less stable the kayak will be when paddling. Some can be adjusted in height and even swivel to give more range when fishing. They are a great option for anyone with mobility issues, ie. Typically, these seats are made from a metal frame with a fabric seat and back. Sometimes referred to as the ‘deck chair set up’ and often seen amongst the kayaking-anglers, the lawn chair kayak seat sits high and gives a more traditional chair-type support. It’s a simple addition to your setup, but it beats sitting on the hard shell of the hull! Lawn Chair Kayak Seat Instead of using adjustable straps, these seats are secured with velcro and double-sided tape making them more of a permanent attachment. With the seat being in two pieces, you can mix and match to find the perfect set-up to suit you regarding breathability, material, and padding. This is useful when fitting a seat to a sit-in kayak as you can have a smaller-sized backrest that fits the kayak perfectly. Solo Piece Kayak SeatĪlso called a twin set kayak seat, a solo piece comes as two separate pieces: backrest and base. This could be restrictive when using a sprayskirt as well. If you are trying to fit a universal seat to a sit-in kayak, be sure to check the height of the backrest. These seats are typically designed for sit-on-top kayaks. With adjustable straps that fasten on the kayak, you can adjust the pitch of the backrest. This seat style is made up of a back and base connected like a clamshell. Universal Kayak SeatĪ universal kayak seat is not as universal as you may initially think.

They are used to prevent water from entering a sit-in kayak, typically seen in white water paddling and in rough conditions. *Note: a sprayskirt is a waterproof cover that fits around the paddler's waist and is attached to the kayak deck. Great for fishing as you have the height to cast and space for gear on the deck Good for cold or rough water and the elements (using a sprayskirt*) Safe to paddle with little knowledge on technique and self-rescue Requires a good amount of skill and self-rescue knowledge for safe paddling Ultimately, it comes down to what you want to achieve from your paddling experience. It is difficult to say which is best as they each come with strengths and weaknesses. Sit-in vs sit-on top is a timeless debate when it comes to kayaking. These are the most important differentiating points when it comes to choosing a kayak seat. These all relate to sit-in or sit-on-top type kayaks. There are four different styles of kayak seats available: You need to look at what type of vessel you have, and then go from there. So do not be fooled into thinking that you can buy any old kayak seat. From seat style to appropriate support and ventilation, browse with these points in mind and you are halfway there to find the best kayak seat for you! Seat Style There are some key aspects that you need to consider and look out for when shopping for this accessory.
KAYAK SEAT HOW TO


