Get Seated - An Overview of SUP Board Seats / Kayak Seats

Updated September 10, 2023
4 minutes to read

If you love stand up paddleboarding, you’ve probably found yourself wanting to sit down and relax on your board from time to time. Or maybe you want the option to paddle seated when conditions get rough. Adding a kayak seat to your SUP board can allow for versatility between standing, kneeling, and sitting. This article will provide an overview of SUP board seats – their benefits, things to consider, top picks, and tips for use.

Remember to check out our ultimate guide to SUP accessories.

Why Add a Kayak Seat to Your SUP Board?

Woman setting up a SUP seat onto a paddleboard

After a long day paddling while standing, it’s nice to take the weight off your feet and have a comfortable seated option. SUP board seats offer back support and allow you to still paddle efficiently. Reasons you may want to outfit your board with a seat include:

Taking a break from standing to rest sore feet or legs
Paddling seated in windy conditions when balancing is difficult
Bringing kids or pets along for the ride
Converting your SUP to more of a kayak when desired

If you think you’d utilize a seat at least occasionally, it can add versatility to your board. Just know standing and kneeling are still great options too.

Key Considerations When Choosing a SUP Kayak Seat

If you decide to add a seat to your SUP board, keep these factors in mind while shopping:

Material – Nylon or mesh seats drain water easily. Cushioned seats provide more comfort.

Adjustable Backrest – Many seats allow you to customize the backrest angle for ergonomic support.

Mounting Method – Some seats clip into pre-installed d-rings, while others strap directly onto the board.

Portability – Can the seat fold or roll up when not in use? Important if storing space is limited.

Legroom – Make sure the seat size and placement allow enough legroom for comfortable paddling.

Padding – Thicker cushioning equals more comfort, but it’s bulkier. Find the right balance for your needs.

Safety – Check that seats have additional side or shoulder straps to keep you secured in rougher water.

Why You May Not Need a Kayak Seat

While SUP board seats offer some nice benefits, they aren’t for everyone. Here are some reasons you may decide against getting a seat:

You prefer standing or kneeling and rarely sit while paddling – A seat could just add unnecessary weight and bulk.
You have a very stable, wide board – These allow comfortable seated paddling without a seat in many cases.
You use your board for yoga, swimming, or fishing – A permanent seat could get in the way of these activities.
You paddle primarily on flat, calm water – Seats are less advantageous if you don’t need the back support for choppy water.
You have kids or pets on your board often – Little ones moving around could trip over the seat.
You want maximum portability – Removing clips and straps adds time to setup/takedown and storage.
Budget is a concern – Quality seats add over $100 in cost, more than some entry-level boards.

If any of these scenarios fit your paddling style, you may find a seat is more inconvenient than beneficial. Assess your needs and paddling conditions to decide if skipping the seat makes sense for you.

SUP Board Seats Usage Tips

Once you’ve added a seat to your SUP board, keep these usage tips in mind:

Place the seat far enough back on your board to allow legroom for paddling.
Tighten straps securely and test stability before venturing out.
Adjust the seat backrest angle to support your lower back while seated.
Use a kayak paddle for optimal power and ergonomics while seated.
Take the seat off if doing yoga, swimming, or having kids/pets on board to avoid obstructing activities.

Sit Back and Relax on Your SUP

Outfitting your SUP with a kayak seat opens up a world of possibilities – take a load off your feet, bring the kids along for the ride, and paddle efficiently even when winds kick up.

Adding a kayak seat to your stand up paddleboard opens up new possibilities to cruise the water while seated. Seek out a seat that fits your board, offers adequate comfort, and secures safely. Then enjoy the versatility to stand, kneel, or sit as desired on your SUP adventures. Most importantly, utilize the seat when you need a well-deserved break off your feet!