Some people like to fly in the face of a stand-up paddleboard and prefer to sit down. We get it. Sometimes you want to relax, take things a little slower and sit down. Why wouldn’t you? Time on the water can be a blissful experience, and you want to enjoy it as such. If you want to join in with the paddleboard community, What’s The Best has listed the best paddleboards in a comprehensive round-up.
Sitting down makes more sense if you’re starting your paddleboard life. Your centre of gravity is lower, making you less likely to fall off the board. You can get used to how the board feels on the water and how you feel on the water, too. Great for when the water gets choppy, out on the ocean or a lake, for example.
Standing on the board also uses a lot of core strength, and you’re constantly adjusting your weight distribution, which you might overlook, but it will get tiring on your legs and stomach muscles if you’re having a long day on the board. A seat is a massive advantage here, giving you the support you need to make paddling along as comfy as possible.
It’s support which is the crucial thing. You can sit down on any paddleboard. There’s no rule which says you must have a seat. However, supporting your back will offer more prolonged comfort and give you something to lean against as you paddle, getting more from your stroke.
Seats for your paddleboard should attach to anchor points on your board for stable, non-slip seating. They’re generally adjusted and tightened by straps at each seat corner to get the perfect fit and have you sitting straight. It’s essential to check that you’ll have somewhere on your board to attach the seat. The pinion points will often be D rings on the board to accommodate a seat.
The best paddleboard seats
www.therange.co.uk
If you want something more comfortable, go for an inflatable option. The rear backrest is inflatable, and the cushioned seat pad is for seated comfort on the board. Made from PVC, four adjustable anchoring points keeps the seat secure and stable.
Pros
- Inflatable seat cushion for added comfort
- Easily adjustable
- Durable clips
Cons
- Yet another thing to inflate
More of a fabric seat than anything else, made from Polyester, an EVA pad and nylon straps, it will fit all 2019 and onwards HIKS Paddleboards. It should also fit all other paddleboards with generous 90cm adjustable straps attached to your paddleboard D-ring pinion points by clips.
Pros
- Nice long straps
- It fits a wide variety of paddle boards.
- Flexible material
Cons
- Connecting clips might not be like saltwater
While you might think that a kayak seat probably doesn’t have a place on a stand-up paddleboard, however, the two are pretty interchangeable. The gold clips that fasten your paddleboard seat look nice and will likely stay nice if you keep them away from the sea. The saltwater from the ocean may take the shine off and rust them quickly.
Pros
- Interchangeable between your kayak and paddleboard
- Sturdy back support
Cons
- Clips may rust if used in the sea
Made from comfortable EVA Foam, this Goosehill seat has been designed to contour around your back and body to give you the most support. Goosehill says that this has stainless steel ocean carabiners which will attach to your paddleboard pinion points that will be durable and last.
Pros
- Ocean carabiners
- Ergonomic EVA foam
Cons
- Not too many at this price point
wavesupboards.com
Compatible with the Wave Pro inflatable paddleboard Wave says that this is a premium Kayak Conversion seat. It simply clips onto the pinion points on your paddleboard, converting it to a kayak in no time. Wave has unique cushioning on this seat to make it as comfortable as possible.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy to install
- Reputable brand
Cons
- Clips may rust
A much more substantial seat style with an adequately seated bottom thicker, more sturdy straps and a more ergonomic seat with a curved back. The base cushion is 5cm thick, and the back cushion is 2.5cm thick, giving more comfort. A rear pouch offers some storage capability.
Pros
- Rear storage pouch
- Thick straps for support
- Nice thick comfy seat
Cons
- Not the highest back support