Outfit Your Kayak with DIY Comfort

Kayaking is one of the most enjoyable ways to enjoy the outdoors; being on the water, getting exercise and seeing flora and fauna. Without the right outfitting though, a kayak can become uncomfortable quickly, focusing pressure in the wrong areas and causing circulation issues and even numbness. To combat this, many kayakers make their own unique custom foam seats, carved out of a foam block.

If you’re willing to invest the time and effort into creating your own custom foam seat, the benefits can be substantial. Buying the raw block foam and trimming it will save money and gives you the ability to test the fit as you go for a perfectly tailored seat. Carving also lets you make sure it fits into the kayak snugly. Buying a seat only gives you one shot at the right size, and it may or may not fit correctly.

Using closed-cell minicell or EVA foam, you can have a waterproof cushion that will spread your weight evenly while still supporting you. Most seat-foam varieties can be sanded for incredibly detailed customization. And while the comfort benefits the right seat can provide are substantial, it can also be beneficial for safety. A snugly fitting seat that comfortably keeps you in contact with the shell of your kayak gives you greater stability and control over your vessel, which can make a difference in avoiding obstacles or righting yourself after a flip.

For your most comfortable and safest kayaking experience, you can’t go wrong outfitting your kayak with a custom foam seat.