Custom Kayak Comfort From Foam Seats and Padding

Kayaking is one of the most enjoyable ways to enjoy the water, combining exercise and a new perspective on the world; looking out from the water, as opposed to looking out to the water. For the most experienced kayakers, the paddle boats are an extension of their bodies. The better the fit, the more control one has over the kayak, assuming the individual is comfortable. But with many kayaks formed as large plastic molds, few people match the generic body contours and shapes for a perfect fit.

To get that snug comfort that allows you to kayak longer, people have turned to foam materials to form-fit their kayak to their body, giving them better control and body support than a shell alone. One of the biggest steps to a custom kayak is the seat, which dictates how high or low you sit in the kayak and the angle at which your body sits. These impact things like stability and comfort, and in the wrong position, a ride is compromised. Custom seats are often made of blocks of cross-linked polyethylene foam. This foam 4 inch thick block is easily carved and sanded to meet the contours of your body. The benefit of this over a store-bought seat is that you can test as you go. Feel like you sit a little too forward? Make an adjustment. Too tight around the thighs? Trim away. You can shape the bottoms as well to fit snugly in the kayak and give you personalized comfort you can’t get any other way.

Foot, hip, and knee padding is important too, for comfort and control. A loose-fitting kayak has less ability to be controlled in a dangerous situation than one you can adjust with leg and body weight movement. Thin foam rolls of the same closed-cell cross-linked polyethylene can add a cushion that makes a kayak more comfortable, while customizing a fit for better maneuverability, and ultimately, better safety. Having the most control over your kayak possible, while being as comfortable as possible, adds up to the best kayaking experience.