subject: Kayak Seat Replacement 101 [print this page] Kayak seat replacement is actually easy to do, and many kayakers have changed out their kayak seat in an effort to get one that is better on their back and lower torso than the stock kayak seats that come with their craft. Unless you are of arctic people descent, you will find that the stock kayak seat is simply not comfortable and it forces you to sit in a position most of us are not used to.
Sitting in the 'L' position with a stock kayak seat can cause you back pain and 'yak back'. Yes, there are seats on the market that offer lumbar support but in the long run they really only contribute to future back problems. Instead of dealing with stock seats, you may want to invest in the tools and supplies for a full kayak seat replacement. You need to be able to sit with your pelvis tilted and your hips low so that you are sitting in such a way that your glutes are not taking the brunt of your weight. Additionally, a wedge that is positioned just forward of your crotch - similar to the front piece of a bicycle seat - will help keep the pressure off of the lumbar region of your back.
To replace your seat you need the following items:
*Hammer
*Chisel
*Screwdriver
*Sandpaper
*Contact cement
*Preformed foam kayak seat
*Mini-cell foam
*Surform tool
Start out by removing the old seat from your craft. It may take a few tries and some of the tools, like the chisel, to get the seat out. But, if you are looking for a better seat, you will have to get the old one out. Once the seat is free, clean and sand down the interior of the cockpit and then mark out where the new kayak seat replacement will go. If you have noticed your legs falling asleep when rowing, consider adding an extension piece to support the legs at this time.
Carefully create a back rest or back brace from the mini-cell foam and surform tool. This doesn't have to be any particular shape, but it does have to take up some space. You can tear out the back band of the kayak and replace it with the mini-cell foam in a pillar shape if you like. The foam will shape easily using the surform tool. Glue the back piece in place using the contact cement and then set the seat in its place. Glue the seat down.
Once you have the kayak seat in place, shape it to your liking using the surform tool. You can then add a piece of foam wedge just forward of the seat to aid in proper sitting so that you do not add any undue stress to your back. Finally, if you like, add a few pieces of foam on either side of the back brace to make rolling more comfortable. Let your modifications dry well before taking your kayak out into the water and testing out your seat replacement.
