How to Adjust a Kayak Seat with Foam

Naomi Judd

The way your outdoor gear and equipment fits is a determining factor in how much you will enjoy a sport and kayaking is no different. Kayaking for a long period of time can be hard on your back if your seat is rigid and doesn't fit quite right. Adjusting a kayaking seat can be done easily with dense foam.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

High density closed-cell foam Sharp knife Scissors Duct tape
High density closed-cell foam
Sharp knife
Scissors
Duct tape

Step 1

Sit in your kayak and lean all your weight into the seat. Take note of where your back hurts or where an edge is pinching or angled wrong.

Step 2

Acquire a block of dense closed-cell foam (for the hips or thighs). This can be found at a local marine hardware store or some sporting goods stores. Acquire a roll of half-inch thick dense foam (for the seat). This can be found at any sporting goods store or some department stores in the camping section.

Step 3

Use the roll of half-inch thick foam for a seat pad. Cut out a piece of the foam in the shape of the seat and use a few pieces of duct tape to fasten to the surface of the kayak seat. This will give your sitting bones a little more cushion.

Step 4

Carve out hip pads from the blocks of foam. These will help to give your lower back and spine additional support. Starting with 12-inch by 6-inch by 6-inch blocks, use a sharp knife to whittle away a spot for your hip. This is by trial and error, so try not to cut away a large amount at a time. Sit in the boat and place the hip pads on each hip and made sure they will fit well and snug when taped into the side of the boat. When they are the right size and shape, use duct tape to tape them in.

Step 5

Make a back rest by using a combination of a dense foam block and a softer foam roll. Carve a thin, 1 to 2-inch thick cookie tray-size backrest out of a foam block and sit back in it to see where you need to hollow out any areas to give your back the proper support. Once if fits well, tape it in and cover with a layer of the softer half-inch foam roll layer.

Resources

Article Written By Naomi Judd

Naomi M. Judd is a naturalist, artist and writer. Her work has been published in various literary journals, newspapers and websites. Judd holds a self-designed Bachelor of Arts in adventure writing from Plymouth State University and is earning a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from the University of Southern Maine.

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