Art House Mark Ham

Kayaking is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend time outdoors; getting exercise on the water, floating and relaxing, and seeing nature. Without the right fittings though, a kayak can become uncomfortable quickly, focusing body pressure in certain areas and causing circulation issues. To combat this, many kayakers make their own custom foam seats, carved out of a closed-cell foam block.

If you’re willing to invest the time and effort into creating your own custom seat, the benefits can be surprisingly substantial. Buying a raw foam block and trimming it to shape will save money and gives you the ability to test the fit as you go, helping you end up with a perfectly tailored seat. Carving also lets you make sure it fits the kayak snugly as well. Purchasing a molded seat is a roll of the dice if you’re after a perfect fit.

Using closed-cell cross-linked polyethylene or EVA foam, you can have a durable, waterproof cushion that will distribute your weight evenly while still supporting you. Most seat-foam varieties can even be sanded for incredibly detailed customization. And while the comfort benefits the right seat can provide are substantial, they also play an important role in safety. A snugly fitting seat that keeps you in contact with the shell of your kayak gives you greater stability and control over the vessel, which can help you better avoid obstacles or right yourself after a flip.

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