Maybe you do convert your paddle board into a kayak seat for convenience to have a different level of comfort with add-ons etc.!
Whatever your reasons, you must be aware of the best seats for kayaks out there to make sure you enjoy your trip. Believe us inch all kayak seats are not the same.
There is nothing that can be as important to the comfort and style of a kayak seat as the following components, you won’t believe that!
Fact, we have done the groundwork so you do not need to sweat. Get lost in why you pick a kayak seat and the small details that make your paddling more enjoyable. And, here are the 15 best stand-up paddle board seats to try right now!
The best seats for kayaks are not often those that come with their kayaks. On the downside, if you’ve found a kayak with the perfect design, its seat might not live up to your expectations.
The most suitable kayak seat does more than just keep you from being uncomfortable; it should also give you a feeling of support and keep you dry,
allowing you to sit for hours that are long enough not to make your back complain or your butt hurt. If we are lucky, we will get too much tired to move our arms earlier than to sit up on our butts.
The hard part of picking cool kayak seats for this year is over, so instead you can take a load off and read some reviews of the best seats, well, you take a load off and keep on paddling.
Kayak Seats Buying Guide
Types of Kayak Seats
Let’s dive into the world of kayak seats – they’re like the superheroes of comfort and practicality. There’s a whole variety of styles out there, each with its special features.
Whether you’re looking for a comfier ride or some cool extras like extra storage or smoother turns, these seats have got it covered, depending on their design.
Before you embark on a kayak seat shopping spree, it’s wise to understand the different kayak designs and figure out if they jive with your boat’s style. No worries, we’re here to simplify it for you.
Take a look at the common types of kayak seats and the cool stuff they bring to the party.
Basic Seat
Basic seats are often padded cushions that sit in or on your kayak to provide you with extra comfort. If you are plan to go on longer paddling journeys or are just having trouble getting comfortable in your cockpit, the extra padding of a basic seat might be all you’ll need to avoid any aches and pains when you are out on the water.
Deluxe Seat
let’s talk about an upgrade from the regular seat – we’re diving into the realm of the ‘deluxe seat.’ This term is thrown around for kayak seats that go the extra mile. What’s special? More padding than your basic seat and added back support.
So, why should you care? Well, if you’re battling some back pain during your paddling adventures or feeling a bit wobbly in your cockpit, a deluxe seat might just be the solution to your problems. It’s like giving your kayak a comfy, supportive hug.
Before purchasing a deluxe seat, though, make sure it is compatible with your kayak. Depending on the height of the backrest, some deluxe seats will not fit correctly on a sit-on kayak.
High Back Seat
High-back seats are often used by anglers, as they provide better support if you are sitting still for an extended period, and have a better position to cast from.
If you’re on the taller side, you might want to consider leveling up to a high-backed seat. Why? Well, these seats are like the VIP section for tall folks – offering better back support and a snugger fit in the cockpit.
But, here’s the pro tip: Before you hit that ‘buy’ button, double-check if your kayak is cool with the high-backed seat vibe. Compatibility is key for a happy paddling experience. So, measure twice, buy once, and enjoy your elevated comfort on the water!”
Inflatable
Inflatable kayaks definitely win in convenience when it comes to kayaking. Easy to store, easy to move, and contrary to popular belief, easy to handle in the water.
One of the few complaints about inflatable kayaks is that they don’t offer the support and comfort of a proper kayak seat. Thankfully, there is now a range of inflatable kayak seats on the market so you can enjoy the convenience of an inflatable kayak without sacrificing your comfort.
What to Look for in a Kayak Seat
Alright, before you make that exciting trip to snag a new kayak seat, let’s be smart about it. Take a moment to think about what you really need from that seat. Whether it’s an upgrade in comfort, a stability boost, or extra storage, having a clear picture in your mind will guide you to the perfect fit.
To make life even easier, we’ve broken down the most common perks you can score by getting yourself a top-notch kayak seat. So, buckle up, and let’s dive into the benefits waiting for you!
Comfort
Added comfort is ideal for touring, fishing, and recreational kayakers who want to spend a significant amount of time out on the water without any discomfort. While a recreational kayaker might be fine with the added padding of a basic seat, fishing and touring kayakers will benefit from the added back support of a deluxe or high back seat.
Stability
The stability of your seat and cockpit position is essential in kayaking activities where you use the torsion of your lower body to maneuver your kayak, such as whitewater kayaking. By adding to the stability of the kayaker’s cockpit, deluxe and high back seats let the kayaker edge the kayak into tighter turns with greater ease.
Extra Storage
Listen up, because extra storage in a kayak seat can be a game-changer for all you kayak anglers. Picture this: more space right at your seat, making it a breeze to grab your fishing gear whenever the big one bites.
Now, here’s the inside scoop – those high-backed kayak seats are the heroes when it comes to extra storage. Why? Because they’ve got the extra room to stash your gear. It’s like having a mini tackle shop right there with you. So, if you’re all about reeling in the big catches, keep an eye out for that sweet extra storage space in your next kayak seat adventure!”
Best Kayak Seats For Maximum Comfort
1. Surf to Summit Outfitter
Meet the Surf to Summit Outfitter kayak seat – your ticket to a combo of durability and comfort. This bad boy goes through a serious process: the foam padding in the base and seat is compressed under 60 tons of pressure, then baked at a toasty 400 degrees.
Why? To make sure that fabric and foam become BFFs for life. It’s like the superhero of kayak seats, built to outlast the competition that takes the ‘cut and sewn’ shortcut.
Now, let’s keep it real – this seat is straightforward in design. No fancy storage compartments, and not much of a back support extension. But what it lacks in bells and whistles,
it makes up for in comfort and stability, especially for those cruising on sit-on kayak models. So, if you’re the laid-back, recreational kayaker looking for more chill time on the water, the Surf to Summit Outfitter might just be your cozy companion.
Summary:
If you are looking for a simple kayaking seat that is going to add to the comfort of your recreational kayaking experience,while also increasing the stability of your seating position,
then the Surf to Summit Outfitter is an excellent choice. If you are looking for more features, such as extra storage, then you might need to look elsewhere.
2. Ocean Kayak Comfort Plus Seat Back
let’s talk about the Ocean Kayak Comfort Plus – a total game-changer for those who love touring or happen to be on the taller side and crave some extra back support.
This beauty is built tough with UV-resistant nylon, ensuring it can handle the elements like a champ. What sets it apart? A four-way adjustment system that’s like a personal tailor for your body shape.
Translation: stellar upper back support and a serious upgrade in stability and comfort.
Now, here’s the lowdown – the Ocean Kayak Comfort Plus is loyal to its brand. It’s designed specifically for Ocean Kayak models. So, if you’re rocking an Ocean Kayak, you’re golden.
But, and here’s the catch, if your kayak is from another brand, you might want to play detective and check if this seat’s fitting system vibes with your boat before hitting that ‘buy’ button. Safety first, friends!
SUMMARY:
If your primary reason for buying a kayak seat is to get extra back support, then the Ocean Kayak Comfort Plus is ideal. With the four-way adjustable fit and excellent support for your upper back, the Ocean Kayak Comfort Plus will allow you to spend the whole day out on the water without risking any back pain.
The main downfall is that it’s specifically made to fit Ocean Kayak kayaks. Double-check check it fits your kayak before buying it.
3. Sea Eagle Deluxe Inflatable Kayak Seat
the Sea Eagle Deluxe Inflatable kayak seat – a total game-changer, especially if you’re rocking an inflatable kayak. Now, we all know the struggle – trying to upgrade your seat without risking damage to your kayak’s hull. It’s like walking on eggshells. And let’s not forget the beauty of inflatable kayaks – easy to store and easy to move. That’s the dream, right?
Enter the Sea Eagle Deluxe Inflatable kayak seat, here to solve all those headaches. This bad boy not only brings top-notch back support to the table but also cranks up the comfort level. And the best part? It plays nice with your inflatable kayak’s easy storage and mobility vibe.
Picture this – you get to sit 5 inches off the floor, basking in 14 inches of back support. Plus, there’s a handy storage pouch at the back – because who doesn’t love extra storage, right?
Now, when you’re done conquering the waves for the day, the Sea Eagle Deluxe Inflatable kayak seat is your trusty sidekick. It detaches easily from your kayak, and here’s the cool part – it’s not just a kayak seat. Nope, with its size and depth, it transforms into a standard inflatable seat, perfect for those kayak camping adventures.
So, if you’re all about upgrading your inflatable kayak experience without the drama, the Sea Eagle Deluxe Inflatable kayak seat might just be your new best friend on the water!
Summary:
The Sea Eagle Deluxe Inflatable kayak seat is ideal for combining the convenience of an inflatable kayak with the added stability and comfort of a kayaking seat, something that isn’t feasible with standard kayaking seats.
While it can be used as a chair outside of the kayak, it doesn’t sit well with rigid kayaks and works best with inflatable kayaks.
4. Saturn Deluxe Molded Foam Kayak Seat
Let’s shine a spotlight on the Saturn Deluxe molded foam kayak seat – our top pick for the best kayak seat. Why, you ask? Well, this bad boy is like the Swiss Army knife of kayak seats – versatile, durable, and hitting all the sweet spots of comfort, stability, and extra storage.
What’s so great about the Saturn? First off, it’s a crowd-pleaser across all types of kayaking adventures. Touring and recreation kayakers get the comfort and back support they crave, while kayak anglers score big with the extra storage. And guess what? Whitewater kayakers get that golden ticket – added stability.
Now, let’s talk upgrades. The new and improved Saturn comes with a detachable cushion, perfect for giving smaller kayakers that extra lift. No more feeling like you’re sinking! Plus, the 18-inch tall back support is like having a personal orthopedic assistant, saying goodbye to back pain on those marathon paddles.
But wait, there’s more! The Saturn doesn’t forget about our taller whitewater kayakers – extra padding on the back and rear means comfort and cockpit stability, hitting the sweet spot.
Now, for our angler friends – hold on to your hats. The Saturn comes with a sizable detachable zipper pack, and here’s the kicker – two hefty plastic fishing rod holders are built right in. No more worrying about your prized fishing rods taking a dip. These holders are like the bodyguards of your rods, with velcro straps to keep them snug even in the bumpiest river rides.
So, whether you’re cruising, fishing, or conquering whitewater, the Saturn Deluxe molded foam kayak seat is here to make your kayak adventures the stuff of legends!
Summary:
The Saturn Deluxe molded foam kayak seat is an excellent all-rounder choice, offering a variation of tangible benefits that apply to a range of kayaks and kayaking activities. It provides increased comfort, stability, and storage, and is ideal for a ‘yaker with a variety of different kayaks or just a desire to try out all the available kayaking experiences.
5. Pactrade Marine Adjustable Kayak Seat
The Pactrade Marine adjustable padded deluxe kayak seat is designed to take everything the water can throw at it without tearing, a real trooper designed to tackle whatever the water throws its way without a scratch.
Picture this: durable 600D polyester and neoprene, the dream team resistant to tears and punctures, forming the armor of this seat. But here’s the magic touch – multiple padded EVA foam cells keep your seat and lower back on cloud nine.
But wait, there’s more! The Pactrade Marine seat comes with a nifty detachable backpack hanging out at the back. Why? Well, it’s like having your own kayak sidekick, making it a breeze to grab your essential gear.
Now, here’s the catch – the backpack party is only happening if your seat is cozy on a sit-on kayak.
Now, let’s talk simplicity and reliability. The Pactrade keeps it real with adjustable back support, ensuring you find that sweet spot. And for the stability dance, four secured mounting straps have got your back – literally.
The non-slip surface is the secret weapon, making sure you stay put, even when the water gets a bit rowdy.
So, whether you’re cruising or gearing up for some sit-on kayak action, the Pactrade Marine adjustable padded deluxe kayak seat is here to be your trusty, comfy companion on the water!
Summary:
The Pactrade Marine adjustable padded deluxe kayak seat is ideal if you are looking for an adjustable, comfortable, and supportive kayak seat for your sit-on kayak.
The addition of a detachable backpack makes storage easier, especially in smaller kayaks, and can be used to store kayaking gear on land. Its main downfall is that the backpack is only accessible with sit-on kayaks, leaving it unavailable for you to use with sit-in kayaks.
6. Skwoosh Expedition Kayak Seat
The Skwoosh Expedition kayak seat is an excellent seat for those looking to getting a little more comfort and a lot more back support on longer kayak expeditions.the go-to seat for those seeking a little more comfort and a serious dose of back support during those marathon kayak expeditions.
Picture this: a seat cushion crafted from 1 inch thick waterproof gel, so no worries about it turning into a sponge if a bit of water splashes overboard.
Now, let’s talk backbone – the reinforced back of the seat is no joke. With two plastic battens keeping it rock solid and standing tall at 20 inches, it’s got your upper and lower back covered. And the attachment game is strong with four swivel clips that laugh in the face of corrosion.
But wait, there’s more! The Skwoosh Expedition kayak seat doesn’t just stop at comfort and support. It’s got a few tricks up its sleeve, like a rear-mounted bungee net – because who doesn’t love some extra gear storage? And not one, but two insulated water bottle holders, because staying hydrated is the name of the game.
Now, here’s the insider tip – while the Skwoosh Expedition kayak seat can squeeze into a sit-in kayak, the rear netting and bottle holders are VIP-accessible only if it’s kicking it on a sit-on kayak.
So, whether you’re embarking on an epic expedition or just cruising around, the Skwoosh Expedition kayak seat is here to be your comfort captain on the water!
Summary:
The Skwoosh Expedition kayak seat is ideal for those paddlers who are looking to take a sit-on kayak on a longer expedition, but want consistent back support and comfort on their trip.
The waterproof gel seat cushion, with its batten-reinforced high back, will keep you comfortable and stable on the longest paddles. The built-in bottle holders and storage netting on the rear of the seat make it easy to access water and vital kit, however, they’re inaccessible in sit-in kayaks.
7. Woowave Kayak Seat
The Woowave Kayak Seat is an ergonomic seat for kayaks that is specially created to give comfort to boaters during long days outside.
The seat is CD messages, but has 2.6 inches much thicker EVA foam padding on its bottom, lifting you up slightly off the sleeve for sailing in the drier conditions.
While I discovered that the extra foaming may be too soft for some paddlers, it’s not the stiffest of seat pads.
The chair from the taller backrest gains a lot because of contoured padding which lets them have added back support. And the angle of the backrest can also be adjusted using the straps.
This will be offered as a universal version, that will be used with most sit-on-top kayaks, as well as paddle boards and other vessels with similar attachment options.
SUMMARY:
The tall backrest benefits from having contoured padding for added back support. You can also adjust the angle of the backrest using the straps.
This is designed to work with most sit-on-top kayaks, as well as paddle boards and other vessels with suitable attachment points.
8. Pelican Ergoboost Folding Kayak Seat
The Pelican Ergoboost Folding Kayak Seat is an adjustable lawn chair kayak seat with lumbar support and extra padding to make the seat comfortable to sit in for long periods.
This metal-framed aluminum seat has been engineered and crafted to be applied on Pelican Catch fishing line of kayaks. Nevertheless, a little more of accommodation with other types of kayaks would make it perfectly usable.
This can be padded for comfort and reinforcement mesh fabric for the backrest with adjustable straps to change the angle of the backrest for a personalized paddling or fishing position. This fabric allows for air flow as well as has facilities to water drainage.
A notable advantage of this kayak seat is that it allows folding for storage or when you want it out of the way while standing up to fish.
This kayak seat is durable and weighty, but it lasts long. It’s also large, which can be very desirable for larger paddlers, especially, those looking for a more spacious seat. It also supports you in enjoying the view above the deck which is the favorite spot for fishing.
SUMMARY:
This features padded mesh fabric for comfort and back support, with adjustable straps to alter the angle of the backrest for a tailored paddling or fishing position. The fabric also allows for air to circulate and water to drain.
A great feature of this kayak seat is that it folds down for storage or if you want it out of the way for standing up to fish.
9. Leader Accessories Deluxe Padded Kayak Seat
This Lead Accessories seat is a deluxe padded kayak seat available for attachment on paddle boards. It is a universal fit seat which makes it a viable choice not just for touring but also for most sit-on-tops and inflatables as long as your vessel has the necessary attachment points.
This is detachable and highest quality kayak seat with a storage bag feature which is something good while on an inflatable SUP board since it is short in internal storage.
The thick-sized EVA foam of the Leader Accessories’s kayak seat and the multifunctional polyester fabric gives the users comfort, protection and enhanced breathability.
The backstraps have enough EVA foam to have a good support for your back allowing you to paddle comfortably for a few hours at a time.
Nevertheless, the seat padding on the bottom of the kayak could prove ineffective during a long trip on water.
This backpack has four adjustable straps (2 for the front and 2 for the back) and brass connector hooks.
So, you tightly secure the kayak seat to the top of your SUP or kayak so that it won’t move.
The backrest has been ergonomically designed so as to offer back support and to be able to support the larger paddlers as well.
SUMMARY:
This is a quality kayak seat that comes with a detachable storage bag that can be useful on a paddle board with limited storage space for small items.
The Leader Accessories kayak seat features an EVA foam interior with durable polyester fabric for breathability.
9. GTS Expedition Molded Foam Kayak Seat
The GTS Expedition is assembled with EVA foam which is layered with polyethylene and fabric further strengthening and making it more durable.
This is a good seat in the boat that has a 2-inch thick layer of EVA foam padding in the kayak seat. This seat will make you comfortable for your daily ride. What is not cheap though, is the fact that it is not the cheapest out there.
It is 18-inches backrest height impregnated with contoured ergonomic padding made from thermoformed foam for your coccyx.
The backrest is curved to fit your spine for great supportive function on the long journeys.
It’s also got drainage channels that really help, especially when you’re inside the kayak.
SUMMARY:
A nice feature of this kayak seat is its six-point attachment system. It still has four attachment points but the additional two points of adjustment mean you can infinitely adjust the kayak seat to suit your paddling style, using two upper and two lower pull points.
Our Pick –Saturn Deluxe Molded Foam Kayak Seat
The Saturn Deluxe molded foam kayak seat is our choice for the best kayak seat as it combines comfort, durability, support, and additional storage in a manner that no other seat on this list does.
Other kayak seats might be better suited to certain types of kayaking or kayaks, such as the Ralvox Premium kayak seat for whitewater kayaking, or the Sea Eagle Deluxe Inflatable Kayak Seat for an inflatable kayak,
but the Saturn Deluxe is a fantastic all-around seat that can make any kayak significantly more comfortable.
Well, this seat is like the Swiss Army knife of kayak comfort, ticking all the boxes – comfort, durability, support, and bonus storage.
Sure, other kayak seats might be like specialists in certain types of kayaking or tailored for specific kayak models. Take the Ralvox Premium for the whitewater daredevils or the Sea Eagle Deluxe Inflatable for those cruising on inflatables.
But here’s the magic of the Saturn Deluxe – it’s the MVP, the all-star that can turn any kayak into a comfort haven.
Why do we love it? It’s not just about sitting pretty; it’s about the whole package. Comfort? Check. Durability? Double-check. Support? You got it. And let’s not forget the cherry on top – additional storage that makes your life on the water that much sweeter.
So, whether you’re a casual cruiser, a whitewater warrior, or an inflatable aficionado, the Saturn Deluxe molded foam kayak seat is the ultimate upgrade that turns any kayak into your comfort zone on the water. It’s not just a seat: it’s a game-changer!
How Does The Type Of Kayaking I Do Impact My Choice Of Kayak Seat?
The type of kayaking you do will usually affect the range of seats available to you.
If you’re a kayak angler, for example, you may prefer to have a seat that is raised off the deck.
On the other hand, an elevated kayak seat may not be the best kayak seat if you want to paddle long distances in a touring kayak, as the higher center of gravity will affect your stability, speed, and paddling efficiency.
It can be best to opt for a kayaking seat that suits both your activity and the type of kayak you have.
Lower profile seats can be more useful if you like to paddle at speed or if you have a sit-in kayak with a cockpit rim to consider.
Kayak seats with higher backrests tend to be good for paddling at a more relaxed pace or if you plan to stop regularly to fish, watch wildlife, or take photos.
How To Install A Kayak Seat
Step 1: Position the seat on the kayak
Place your seat in the correct position in your kayak, making sure it’s as far back in the molded seat area as it can go.
Step 2: Attach the back straps
Grab one of the straps on the back of the seat and attach it to the D-ring on the corresponding side of the kayak.
Tighten the strap so that the backrest is upright against the molded section of your kayak’s seat well.
Do the same with the other strap on the other side.
Step 3: Attach the side straps
Attach one of the straps on the side of the seat and clip it to the D-ring on the side of your deck. This D-ring should be roughly in line with the forward edge of the seat bottom. But this will vary depending on your specific kayak or SUP.
Tighten the strap to secure the seat in place. You can allow for a little bit of movement in the loose strap so that there’s some give when you lean back
Repeat this step with the strap on the other side.
Step 4: Sit In, Check, And Make Adjustments
Now that all four adjustable straps are clipped onto the corresponding D-rings and the seat is securely in place, sit in the seat.
You will usually be able to tell immediately if the angle of the backrest is in the right position or not. Use the straps at the side to adjust the backrest. Tightening the straps will bring the backrest further upright. Loosening the straps will allow the backrest to recline.
You may need to play around with the straps a little before you find the perfect angle.
