Perhaps you’ve imagined yourself moving peacefully across waters just by using a kayak. The scenery is perfect, the waters are still, and everything is going well. However, the more you sit, the more uncomfortable it becomes. This is why kayak seat cushions are important.
This article will acquaint yourself more with them and teach you the ways to pick the best kayak seat cushion for you!
Why should I use Kayak Seat Cushions?
When using your kayak too much, its seat can also wear out and get uncomfortable. At this point, many are confused whether to replace the whole kayak seat set or just buy new cushions.
Here are some of the main reasons why you should opt for kayak seat cushions instead:
Cheap
If you have a limited budget, kayak seat cushions are ideal for you because they achieve the same things in a lesser price. Now, you don’t have to go through buying and changing entire seats when you can just change the cushions in them.
Easy to install
Changing the seat’s cushion is as easy as it can be. If you want to have a much easier way of dealing with things, seat pads are also an option for you. Just pop out the pad and place it on your seat and you’re good to go!
Universal
Unlike entire seat sets, kayak seat cushions can be used in a wider variety of kayaks. The only thing you need to deal with is finding out if your kayak has enough space to hold such equipment.
Turns good into much better
If the issue is within the seat’s lack of cushioning or support, the best thing you can do is to get kayak seat cushions to address it. In this was, kayak seat cushions make even the sub-par seats decent and good ones into better ones!
How To Install Kayak Seat Cushions
With how easy the process can be, anyone can successfully put up a kayak cushion. All you need to do is place the cushion on your elevated kayak seat. Then, thread one end of the strap through the cam buckle and make sure to tighten it. To stop it from moving around too much, you can also fix the loop to the front of the seat.
However, angler fishing using kayaks with plastic molded seats might have to go through a slightly different process. The plastic can get scratched by the metal bucket resulting in unnecessary noise. Instead of damaging the product by cutting the strap, you can choose from these two options:
- Simply run the strap through the buckle, and wrap the buckle and strap in some Gorilla tape. This removes the chances of creating noise that scares the fish away. It also helps you save the strap from preventing the sharp angles to cut the plastic.
- Place the strap over your lap. The strap can act as a seat belt when sitting on the cushion. This option lets you save your cushion even when the kayak flips around.
A Quick Glance of the Best Kayak Seat Cushions
| Picture | Name |
 | Leader Accessories Deluxe Padded Kayak Seat – Made up of durable EVA foam interior and 210D polyester exterior – Impressive corrosion resistant hooks |
 | WOOWAVE Deluxe Padded Kayak Seat – Made up of durable EVA foam interior and high quality 210D polyester exterior – Complete with a 4-way adjustable reinforced front and rear webbing straps |
 | Pactrade Marine Padded Deluxe Kayak Seat – Has 4 adjustable straps and brass clips – Comes with a free storage or backpack |
 | BKC Memory Foam Padded Kayak Seat – Adjustable, comfortable, and capable of giving support to legs, lower back, and torso – 4-way adjustable straps accommodate most sit-on-top marine crafts |
 | Hornet Watersports Kayak Seat Cushion – Has anti-slip technology – Sports Grade PU Foam Core |
 | YXGOOD Kayak Seat Cushion – Has anti-slip silicone on both sides – Neoprene and interior is a polyurethane foam core |
 | Surf To Summit Hot Seat Kayak Seat – Made up of sturdy thermal-molded foam – Lycra foam laminate |
 | UXELY Kayak Seat Cushion – Made up of EVA composite material and polyester knitted fabric – Waterproof, heat resistant, and abrasion resistant functions |
Qualities To Look Out For
Before buying such, you need to have a knowledge on what makes a kayak seat cushion best. Here are some of the things to keep in mind:
Padding
A kayak seat’s padding is directly related to its thickness. Those on the thicker side are naturally softer and offer better cushioning. It all depends on your preference but cushions that are too soft must be avoided as much as possible. They can appear as comfortable options but they don’t hold much support as firmer and denser ones.
Thickness
Speaking of thickness, it is also a factor that you should consider since it affects your balance on the kayak too. Lower cushions are the usual options because it provides enough support and at the same time doesn’t compromise your balance.
Although thicker ones are good choices when it comes to the comfort and room it gives to stroke the kayak paddle a little more vertically, stability is greatly affected. Hence, affecting your performance too.
Insulation
Since you’ll be working in quite challenging weather conditions, a seat cushion that does not get too cold or too is much needed. Although not all seat pads have insulation as a feature, gel ones are good for those who get bothered by seat temperature easily.
Water resistance
Not having this for your seat pad isn’t necessarily a deal breaker but it would help if the one you choose is water resistant. Just imagine how comfortable it would be if you can keep your seat dry and clean all throughout the period of kayaking.
Inflatable ones or not?
Another hard decision to make is to choose whether you’ll opt for inflatable seat pads or not. In choosing, you must first determine which matters to you the most.
For inflatable ones, they can get deflated when not in use. Hence, taking up less space than non inflatable seat pads. However, since it requires inflation, it needs additional equipment like pumps. Although non-inflatable ones are bigger, they are good to go once you buy them. Determine which is more important to you and base your decision on it.
Tips and Tricks
Here are other information worth knowing of you’re thinking of buying kayak seat cushions:
- If you can find one, kayak seats with extra storage bags at the back will surely be of help to you. This can be a storage area for your keys, wallet, and phone.
- Always pay attention to the areas support is given when choosing kaya cushions. It’s not enough to pick something that gives comfort, it should be able to support your back or lumbar too.
- It doesn’t mean that kayak seats are designed to be more flexible in terms of use that they no longer have restrictions. Always make sure that you pick something that works well with your kayak.
- Buoyant and brightly colored seats are advantageous especially if the kayak flips and you need to locate it.
Top 8 Kayak Seat Cushions Reviews
Leader Accessories Deluxe Padded Kayak Seat
If you’re looking for a kayak seat that can support long term water sports, the Leaders Accessories Deluxe Padded Kayak Seat can be your friend!
It is made up of high quality materials like the durable EVA foam interior and 210D polyester exterior and corrosion resistant hooks. This also hits every quality a good kayak cushion should have like the high back design that gives enough support to your back and butt.
Aside from that, it also comes with a waterproof and detachable storage back good for keeping your important items dry and safe.
WOOWAVE Deluxe Padded Kayak Seat
The WOOWAVE Kayak Seat is another durable and safe option for kayak cushions. One of the features it boasts about is its 4-way adjustable reinforced front and rear webbing straps. This puts the seat in a fixed place which contributes more to the comfort and support it gives.
Your back won’t hurt with this one too as it has a contoured padded backrest that promises to deliver a more reliable support by fitting the body curve better.
Although kayak cushions are known to have easy installation, it is made easier with this one. You can just fasten the connecting snaps of the straps on the attachment point of the kayak or boat and you are good to go!
Pactrade Marine Padded Deluxe Kayak Seat
Water sports enthusiasts know how much this adjustable Pactrade Marine padded seat can up your game. Thanks to its reliable four webbing straps and rust-proof brass clips, this can handle rafting and canoeing activities
The comfort it gives to the user is probably our favorite thing about this seat. Its non-slip contour padded and shock-proof surface is sure to give you better support, comfort, and eliminate backaches all at once!
With this UV-resistant Neoprene and 600D Polyester filled with padded EVA Foam and PE Plate kayak cushion, paddling for hours is no longer a problem!
BKC Memory Foam Padded Kayak Seat
For a kayak seat, the BKC Memory Foam has quite a lot to offer. It does not only focus on your comfort but also makes sure that functionality is given.
This is for people who want support for their legs, lower back, and torso. Just by sitting at it, you can fully experience its multiple padded panels cushion made up of marine grade quality materials. Even when you’re fishing, navigating a river, or just relaxin in a body of water, this seat can assist you.
It’s also impressive how this can surely last for years since it can resist sun fading and water damage. Plus, it only takes a minute to install or adjust! What more can you ask for?
Hornet Watersports Kayak Seat Cushion
One of the problems we face when kayaking are cushions getting uncomfortable when wet. It’s a good thing we found the Hornet Watersports Kayak Seat Cushion. It’s neoprene cushion is partnered by an anti-slip technology. Now, even when it gets super wet, it has a silicone print that prevents slipping.
This cushion kayak can also be described as reaching the balance. It’s thickness is just enough to maintain the center of gravity and at the same time give you the support you need. It also has a sports grade PU foam core inside which means its softness is just enough to get you comfortable.
Universality is also given a new description with this cushion as it can be used to a wide range of brands and styles of kayaks. Whether you’re using sit in or sit on top kayaks, pedal kayaks, and etc they got you!
YXGOOD Kayak Seat Cushion
The YXGOOD Kayak Seat Cushion is one of the top kayak pads because of its impressive waterproof and corrosion resistant qualities. Just like other pads, it is made up of Neoprene but what sets it apart is its polyurethane foam core interiori.
It also has a lightweight design even with its many amazing features. You are safe with this pad because it has an anti-slip silicone as well as a shock absorbent foam.
Moreover, its contoured silicone also increases muscle relief and at the same time gives great, soft, and comfortable support. Hence, making it an ideal cushion for kayaking and even water sports.
Surf To Summit Hot Seat Kayak Seat
The Surf To Summit Hot Seat Kayak Seat has such eye-catching color. The mild blue color doesn’t only elevate its aesthetic but also helps a lot in giving a calmer water touring.
However, it isn’t the only thing that’s impressive in this item. This USA made seat also has a lot of other features that will surely blow your mind just like its thermal-molded foam.
Even without prior experience, you won’t have a hard time installing this too. You only have to peel the backing off the hot seat. After that, it will secure itself permanently in the cockpit. As easy as 1-2-3!
UXELY Kayak Seat Cushion
If you’re looking for a more-handy and novel style cushion, the UXELY Kayak Seat Cushion is the way to go!
The quality of this seat is really evident on its materials alone. This is made up of EVA composite material with a surface of polyester knitted fabric. What we like about this cushion is its elasticity making it very comfortable to sit on.
Cleaning and maintenance was also made easier by using this since it can be detachable too. This is perfect for kayaking, inflatable boats, fishing, or drifting boats since it is waterproof, heat resistant, abrasion resistant too!
Bottomline
Skills do not always make up for everything. Most of the time, performance is affected by the materials and equipment used. This is the same for water sports and kayaking. Since you’ll be sitting in for long periods, its important to think about your comfort and safety too. Hence, making kayak seat cushions important components of your success in this field.