Kayaking is no longer an underground activity amongst a handful of communities. The exciting water sport has exploded in popularity over the last few years and continues to grow. In fact, it is estimated that over 18.12 million people participate in Kayaking; now, isn’t that something?
Now, of course, since Kayaking is considered an adventure sport, you need to get the best equipment possible. You must have all correct the right gears and accessories to avoid any mishaps on the water. This means having the right suits, paddles, Kayaks, and even cushions!
You might think that picking Kayak seat cushions is a simple affair; why think twice about this, right? But you will be surprised to know just how important having the right seat cushions are. It has to be the right fit, and has to be comfortable and long-lasting. If you are getting confused already, don’t worry, we have already picked out the best seat cushions for you.
1) Hornet Anti Slip Kayak Seat cushion
One of the most common fears associated with beginner Kayakers is slipping off mid-session. This is totally understandable, especially for people who have no experience being on the water. Kayaking can be a tough learning experience for many, which is why safety is a huge concern here. After all, there are many dangers associated with Kayaking which often go ignored until it is too late.
The Anti Slip Kayak seat cushion helps overcome the fear of slipping, which is a common worry amongst newcomers. It is also a great choice for long-distance Kayaking, making it ideal for experts and beginners alike. It comes at a price of 24 $, which is a fair deal considering what you get in return.
The cushion uses high-quality neoprene fabric, which is a natural liquid repellent. The material ensures you maintain your seating no matter how wet the cushion gets. This is primarily due to the anti-slip silicone print present beneath the fabric that holds everything together.
The cushion comes at a balanced thickness of 1.02 inches, which is more than enough for a safe kayaking experience. Make no mistake; this measurement has been carefully selected to give optimum support. You could naturally go with something extra-thick, but that would hamper your overall balance. So, keeping it well-balanced is the best bet for you.
The anti-slip Kayak cushion gives you a calm and soft Kayaking experience while still keeping you on your toes. After all, you don’t want to relax too much and fall asleep on the paddle!
2) Hikeen Anti Slip Kayak seat pad
Next up on our list is yet another Anti-slip kayak cushion that works great for beginners and experts alike. So what is the difference between this cushion and the one we mentioned earlier? Well, the key difference lies in the material and price.
Hikeen’s anti-slip Kayak cushion comprises of sponge fabric and silicone strips. The back of the cushion is made up of non-slip strips made of silicone. What’s more, the surface of the cushion is filled with raised dots which tightly grip the Kayak. This ensures a firm lock, resulting in a safe and comfortable kayaking experience.
So, is the Hikeen anti-slip cushion comfortable to use? You bet! Its design is great for air-circulation, keeping the cushion always cool and comfortable. So you can take your Kayak out for long sessions without sweating all over your seat.
One of the issues with long and intense Kayaking sessions is the possibility of straining your hip. You’ll be happy to know that Hikeen’s kayak cushion can actually help to relieve any pressure on the hip. This means you will no longer have to go through pain to make some serious gain.
The high-density sponge inside the cushion provides the highest comfort level, even during a high-powered paddling session. What’s more, the shock-absorbent quality makes it ideal to use for high adrenaline sessions. You can really dive into it without caring for your safety and security; the cushion does it for you.
The anti-slip cushion by Hikeen is extra thin, measuring at 15.3” x 12” x 0.65”. This is a great feature as it maintains a decent balance by keeping the gravitational centre at an all-time low. What’s more, the cushion is foldable and collapsable, making it easy to carry around everywhere. Priced at 17 $ per unit, we think this is a great choice for your kayaking adventures.
3) Lixada Kayak Canoeing Seat Cushion
Lixada’s seat cushion primarily focuses on giving a pain-free Kayaking experience. As we know, back pain is one of the most common health issues faced by regular Kayakers.
What’s more, this issue is even more serious in the case of older individuals. Senior citizens don’t have solid and rigid muscles, which often become a problem when participating in physical activities. Weak bone structures and delicate tissues become a limiting factor for older Kayakers. Lixada hopes to fix this issue with its shock absorption cushions designed for maximum comfort and ease.
We’ve tried these cushions for ourselves, and we must say that they are soothing, at the very least. Sitting on these cushions makes you feel like you are being massaged as you paddle your way ahead. That’s because the cushion actually does massage you.
The Lixada seat cushion comes with state-of-the-art contoured massage points. This feature is designed to add muscle relief for those long and tiring Kayaking journeys which often leave us with cramps. To say that these cushions are comfortable would be a huge understatement. The material is soft, relaxing and just feels fantastic on your back and hip. To top it all off, senior citizens LOVE this seat cushion!
For 19 $, this is one plush seat cushion that will give you many relaxing kayaking experiences.
4) SKWOOSH Classic Kayak Paddling gel seat pad
Our next entry is a bit more expensive, but it has the features to deserve the bump in price. We present to you SKWOOSH’s Gel seat pad with breathable airflow and customized cushioned mesh. This seat pad will cost you 61 $, which might seem too extravagant at first, but it is well-deserving, in our opinion.
This kayak seat pad comes with SKWOOSH’s very own patented gel technology, which guarantees smooth air circulation. Sitting on this pad feels heavenly, to say the least. This is because of the impressive gel technology, which leaves zero memory under pressure. In fact, the gel dissolves when any pressure is applied, creating a soft, airy effect that does wonders for your hips.
If you suffer from bedsores, then this seat cushion is the perfect choice for you. The soft gel takes away any strenuous pressure from your body and maintains the proper circulation needed for a healthy experience. It does this by removing any pressure from the “sitz” bones, resulting in a pain-free session. What’s more, the gel handles all body shapes and sizes quite comfortably, making it an all-rounder seat cushion.
So how does SKWOOSH manage to pull this off? Well, by combining their patented gel technology with high-quality fabric. The cushion is made out of breathable mesh fabric, guaranteeing the smooth circulation of air. The super non-skid bottom keeps the pad firmly in place even in the wettest conditions.
All of SKWOOSH’s cushions employ the use of welded seams, which results in a weightless feeling. You won’t be exerting yourself while carrying this bad boy around. The cushion is a great fit for most Kayaks and is a powerful yet relaxing choice. If that isn’t enough to convince you, you’ll be glad to know that each cushion is 100% American-made!
5) LINGVUM Deluxe Padded Seat Cushion
At 43 $, LINGVUM’s deluxe padded seat cushion is definitely a feast for the eyes (and body!). These seat cushions are an engineering marvel, with every material being well thought out.
The interiors are made up of the strongest EVA foam, one of the most reliable materials used for padding. This is the same material used in high-intensity contact sports such as ice hockey and MMA. So we can assure you that these seat cushions can take a punch without succumbing to damage. In other words, the paddler is totally protected from any danger on the water.
The use of 210D polyester for the exterior is a welcome addition. As we know, 210D polyester is much more durable when compared to thinner alternatives such as nylon. The material is resistant to UV light, as well as any wear and tear that might occur over time.
This is the right pick if you’ve always wanted a seat cushion that lets you store your personal belongings. The seat includes a detachable bag, which gives you ample space to store snacks, water bottles or any other item. We love the fact that you can easily adjust the seat if you can’t fit it into your Kayak initially. Just give it a few adjustments; the four strap system makes it compatible with almost any kind of Kayak.
When looking at the comfort factor, we have to admit that we are very much impressed with its ergonomic design. The seat surface comes with a non-slip contour padding for extra firmness. We guarantee you won’t slip and fall off your Kayak with these seats!
One of the most common problems with long-distance Kayakers is the strain it brings to their backs. Well, we’re glad to say that LINGVUM is aware of this problem and has worked to fix it once and for all! These seats have a high backrest, which ensures comfortable padding to your back during strenuous activities. The high backrest design makes long journeys an incredibly comfortable affair.
The LINGVUM seat cushion comes packed with 4-way adjustable webbing straps for both front and back. This makes the seat incredibly flexible and compatible with all Kayaks, canoes, and boats. What’s more, the seat is conveniently easy to install and detach!
6) HLOGREE 1/2PCK Deluxe Kayak Seat
Are you looking for a professional Kayak seat that makes the activity feel like a sport rather than exercise? Well then, we have just the thing for you.
We present to you the deluxe kayak seat by HLOGREE, a device that will inspire the inner daredevil in you. This seat comes packed with foam padding that feels like heaven for your back. That’s because of the extra thickness of the padding, making it the ultimate backrest. You can sit on it for hours, and it will feel like you never left the couch back at home.
The shock-proof feature makes sure that you can go into full-intensity mode without breaking a sweat. The high back and adjustable design give it a comfortable touch for people of all heights and sizes. In order words, this is one robust Kayak seat designed for professional sports and adrenaline drives.
Looking at the materials, we are proud to say that HLOGREE uses durable neoprene 600D polyester, which is a great choice. The UV resistance makes it ideal for extended fishing trips underneath the sun.
If you want something waterproof, don’t worry, this seat has got you covered. The seat uses marine-grade materials that provide excellent protection against water. The thick foam seats offer skid resistance, so no more Kayaking with a wet bum!
Good kayak seats aren’t just about what’s on the outside, but how strong the interiors are as well. That’s why the HLOGREE uses high-quality EVA foam along with PE plates for maximum cushioning.
Looking at accessories, we’re excited to say that the seat includes a free detachable zipper storage bag. It is a great addition that offers you storage space for your personal items. You can rest be assured that your belongings will be safe because of the bag’s water-resistant material.
When it comes to installation, you’ll be glad to know that you won’t have to go through any complicated fixtures. The paddleboard seat is convenient both during set-up and removal. The 4-way adjustable mounting straps make it compatible with most canoes and rowboats as well.
We have to say that the HLOGREE deluxe kayak seat is an all rounder-product that makes it ideal for anything. Whether you want to go on a fishing trip, a casual paddle, or an intense racing session, this seat will not disappoint.
We think it is an excellent choice and the price tag of 69 $ is more than reasonable. Alternatively, you can purchase the two ‘normal’ cushions for the price of 107 $, which is a good deal.
7) WOOWAVE Kayak Seat
Our next Kayak seat comes from the acclaimed sports equipment company called WOOWAVE. The company was established in 2016 and focuses on giving customers the ultimate outdoor experience.
Before we start with the features, let us just say that this seat looks absolutely buff! This looks like the kind of seat Hollywood hunk Arnold Schwarzenegger would use. The tough build and black colour give it an appearance that immediately boosts your adrenaline. This one is definitely for athletes!
Looking at the exterior, we notice a thick and grooved design that gives a relaxed feel while sitting. The extra-thick foam padding provides ultimate comfort during those intense paddling sessions. The anti-slip design holds the seat in place even on the roughest waters. The seat is made up of high-quality 210D polyester, making it breathable, comfortable, and convenient.
Even after hours and hours of paddling across the water, your back won’t have any problems. This is because of the ergonomic high back design that prevents your back from straining itself. What’s more, the backrest is padded and contoured to provide extra support. You will feel at ease as the seat hugs while paddling. If you love being spooned, this is the best pick for you.
Installing this beast is as easy as buying it straight from the counter. All you have to do is fasten the connecting snaps of the straps with all the attachment points in the Kayak. Once that is done, simply make the correct adjustments and fine-tune the panel’s position. It is very similar to adjusting the sear of your car.
The WOOWAVE kayak seat is equipped with 4-way adjustable webbing straps for both front and rear. This ensures that the seat is fixed in one position even throughout different intensity levels. What’s more, you can adapt it according to what you want, that’s an extra point for convenience.
This deluxe Kayak seat strives to achieve maximum safety and security while you’re out on the water. The interiors are made up of resistant EVA foam, which gives a relaxing sensation to your hip bones. Sitting on it feels comfortable and soothing, making it ideal for long paddling sessions.
As for accessories, it comes with a detachable storage back which offers ample storage space for your personal items. Did we mention that the bag is waterproof? The seat comes in black and grey, costing 79 $ and 49 $ respectively. We personally prefer the black design as it gives the seat a rough and tough feel.
You will be glad to know that this seat is compatible with canoes, fishing boats, rowboats, and SUPs. It really is a universal seat made to fit all shapes, sizes, and weights.
Now that we’ve discussed our top picks for Kayak seats in 2022 let us look at some guidelines for making the right purchase.
A beginners guide to choosing the right Kayak Seat Cushion
Buying the right Kayak seat for you is easier said than done. There are a lot of factors and elements to look out for if you want to make the right choice. Shopping for a Kayak seat might be common practice for experienced Kayakers, but we can’t say the same for beginners. We have often come across a plethora of questions and doubts about choosing the right seat.
We have come up with a few tips to remember while making your first Kayak seat purchase.
The first thing to look for is obviously the comfort factor. You don’t want to be paddling for long distances while sitting on an uncomfortable cushion. This could lead to serious back problems and hip problems which might seem initially minor but can have long-term health problems.
If you are a beginner at Kayaking, then you should probably go for a high-back seat cushion. This type of cushion is amazing for back support and even helps beginners to perfect their kayaking postures. High back seat cushions are the usual choice when paddling long distances as well.
However, if you are already an expert on Kayaking, you might want to take a different approach. This is especially true if you plan on paddling against rough waters instead of calm streams. You probably want to go for something lower and more secure in this scenario. Low back seat cushions help maintain your posture and strengthen it against rough water bodies. Alternatively, you could simply add some extra padding to strengthen your seat cushion.
Choosing the right material for your seat cushion can be a tricky affair. The first mistake beginners make is always choosing something that says ‘waterproof’ on the product cover. Although waterproof materials seem like the best option for any circumstance, that might not be the case. In reality, it all depends on where and how you will be Kayaking.
For example, waterproof materials are a horrible choice if you plan to kayak in warm climates. This is because of the tight nature of waterproof materials, which makes them less breathable. The cushion should not be so tight that it drains the sweat out of your body, ultimately tiring you out. So instead of picking going for water-resistant, we’d recommend choosing something which can ‘repel’ water instead.
We’ve found that seat cushions made from durable materials are often the best ones to pick. These include cushions made out of polyester or heavy-duty nylon with UV resistance that keep your cushion fresh throughout your kayaking journey.