What is the best Kayak seat? Not getting the maximum speed despite having the best kayak or paddle? You might just have the wrong kayak seat. A well-made kayak seat lets you transfer your paddling strength to the kayak for optimum speed level. On the other hand, a bad kayak seat might just give you back pain. So choosing the best kayak seat may help improve your overall kayaking experience.

Choosing the best kayak seat can offer the following benefits:

Ø A stable and not wobbly kayak seat helps you attain better balance to keep you afloat.

Ø Kayak seats with heavy-duty backrests can provide stable back support.

Ø Without the discomfort of a wrong kayak seat, you can focus more on paddling, fishing or exploring.

Ø The right kayak seat will make you feel comfortable even for long hours of kayaking.

How to Choose the Best Kayak Seat

While kayaks normally come with a basic plastic or fiberglass seat that is already molded on the boat, it is ideal that you get a separate kayak seat that is customized to your needs.

Kayak seats come in a variety of ergonomic styles:

Basic Kayak Seats – This type of seat is commonly used by those who are into recreational kayaking. It has the basic features and it is designed entirely for comfort.

Deluxe Kayak Seat – More like a basic kayak seat but with a range of settings and position options which can be an advantage to advanced kayaker or to those who are into kayaking as a sport.

Full-Back Kayak Seat – This is an ideal seat for people with back problems. The backrest can be between 12 and 20 inches.

Inflatable Kayak Seat – Known to be lightweight and portable, the advantage of this type of seat is that it increases maneuverability. Any added weight to the kayak affects your ability to maneuver.

Fishing Kayak Seat – If you spend a significant amount of time fishing, this is a good choice for a kayak seat. It has added features like the ability to pivot, allowing you to cast your fishing line in multiple directions.

Once you have set your mind on the type of kayak seat to buy, you could now check the following features to help you choose the right one:

Materials

The material a kayak seat is made of is important for breathability and wear and tear. Common materials used are:

Ø Neoprene – This is a synthetic rubber known for its durability despite constant exposure to changing temperature. This is the same material used in laptop sleeves and fan belts.

Ø EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) – Commonly used for various paddings such in boxing gloves, this material is lightweight and durable.

Ø Polyester – Some kayak seats have a polyester-layered cover for added durability as it is an extremely tough material and is easy to dry. Other uses of polyester material is in the manufacture of clothing designed for extreme climates.

Ø Pressure-molded foam – this material is resilient and can consistently provide comfort for years.

Ø Others – There are also more advanced seats made of UV-resistant materials that will not easily wear even with constant exposure to the sun.

If you are a heavy person, a seat made of pressure-molded foam is a good option as this material is more resilient in comparison to polyester fills, traditional foams and gels that tend to pack down quickly.

Padding and Cushions

The padding is useful to keep your bottom warm especially in long hours of kayaking. On the other hand, adequate cushion in the right part of the seat will give you overall comfort. For instance, if you suffer from back problems, don’t skimp on seats with thick hip and back paddings. The cushion will also ensure that you will not aggravate your back issues.

Storage

If you need extra space where you can keep your things, you might want to consider getting a kayak seat with extra storage. Most people who go kayak fishing find this feature useful for things they need easy access to.

Dimension of the Seat

If you are a tall person, you’ll be most comfortable with a full-size kayak seat, with a backrest that measures at least 12 inches high from the seat. Shorter people can go for seats with a backrest of 12 inches or less.

Price

Checking the price comes last because it shouldn’t be your only deciding factor when choosing the best kayak seat. Just like when buying any other product, when you get the cheaper seat, you’ll often get what you paid for.

The cost of a basic kayak seat can range from $20 to $50. If you like a more decent kayak seat that would last for several years, check those that cost between $50 and $100 as they normally have extra reinforcement and cushioning for long jaunts.

5 Best Kayak Seats Reviewed

1.  Ocean Kayak Comfort Plus Seat Back

The Ocean Kayak is one of the established names when it comes to kayaks and accessories. That is why, it’s not a surprise that one of their products, the Ocean Kayak Comfort Plus Seat Back, is among the popular seats available. It has a thick and strong padded back support which is ideal for extended periods of use. It can be attached to any Ocean Kayak model using heavy duty clips, with 4-way adjustments to customize for your comfort. Moreover, this kayak seat is rip and UV resistant, preventing it from stretching with constant use, and from fading with frequent exposure to sun.

2.  Leader Accessories Deluxe Kayak Seat Boat Seat

Leader is another reputable brand in water sports world, and Leader Accessories Deluxe Kayak Seat Boat Seat is among its in-demand products. Made of molded foam, this seat is designed to provide comfort in both your bottom and back. It easily connects to the kayak using four straps with solid brass connecting snaps.

3.  GTS Expedition Molded Foam Kayak Seat - No Pack

Made of thermal-molded foam with adjustable webbing, the GTS Expedition kayak seat makes a good contender on this list because of its numerous advanced features. Among them is its deep drainage channels on the base which is designed not just for comfort but for expelling excess cockpit water. The same feature is noticeable on its backrest which is designed to keep the user comfortable and stable during long hours of kayaking. Additionally, its 6-point rear attachment design has eliminated the common kayak seat slippage problem.

4.  Sit-on-Top Cushioned Kayak Padded Seat and Backrest

One of the features you’ll like about this kayak seat is that it is made of water-resistant neoprene shell with an EVA core that is both lightweight and durable. This seat connects to the kayak with adjustable tie-down straps with matching snap hook ends that do not easily rust. With all its good features, this kayak seat still costs like an average kayak seat in the market.

5.  Manta Ray Kayak/Canoe Seat

If you are a tall person, you’ll feel comfortable using this kayak seat. It has a 19-inch tall backrest with a strong back support. Brass buckles with D-ring placement make this seat easy to install. This kayak is made of EVA foam which is known for its wide range of use in sports gears.

Conclusion

For users who prefer a tall backrest, the best option is the Manta Ray Kayak/Canoe Seat. It is a good choice not just for its backrest but also for its added features such as water gutters, non-skid bottom and durable material.