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10 Best Paddle Board Kayak Seats (2024)

best kayak seats for paddle boards

SUP is all about paddling while standing—hence the name. But sometimes you may want to sit and rest, especially when paddling for hours. Or convert your SUP into a kayak when cruising leisurely. It’s good to just stretch and relax as you sip your favorite drink and enjoy the scenery. That’s why a paddle board kayak seat is a welcome extra bit of gear.

Since you want something that will make you comfortable, you have to choose your seat wisely. There are a lot of brands on the market. And while every manufacturer claims to have the best SUP kayak seat, not all of them will give you a good experience.

So let me help you. Here, I discuss my top 10 best paddle board kayak seats and what makes them great. I also include a buyer’s guide to help you pick the one that suits you perfectly. 

Out of all 10, the Isle Cloud Kayak Seat is my favorite, read on and I’ll tell you why.

RELATED: 19 Stand Up Paddle Accessories For More SUP Fun

Best Paddle Board Kayak Seats Compared

Best SUP Seat

Isle Cloud Seat

Isle Cloud Seat

Raised Seat with Great Back Support

The Isle Cloud Kayak Seat is a multifaceted, water-resistant, and comfortable seat that fits various paddle boards. It has great back support, a mesh pocket, and color options.

Best Cushion

Kayak Seat Cushion

Kayak Seat Cushion

Thickly Padded Cushion for Your Kayak Seat

This iRocker cushion has thick padding to give you extra comfort, especially when you go on long paddle boarding trips.

Best Luxury

Bote Aero Seat

Bote Aero Seat

Large Inflatable Kayak Seat

The Bote Aero can support up to 300 lbs and you can comfortably use it regardless of your size, but be aware – this comes at a slightly higher cost!

 

GILI Kayak Seat

GILI Kayak Seat

Comfortable and Durable Kayak Seat for Paddle Board

With thick padding that ensures you enjoy comfort all day long, it also comes with a detachable storage bag so you can conveniently store your smaller accessories.

 

iRocker Kayak Seat

iRocker Kayak Seat

High-Quality SUP Kayak Seat with Thick Cushion

The iRocker kayak seat is well-made and it will last a long time even with frequent use.

 

Bluefin Kayak Seat

Bluefin Kayak Seat

Quick and Easy Attachment Paddle Board Seat

The Bluefin SUP kayak seat is super easy to attach and you can do it in seconds while in the water. It has just the right amount of padding so it’s comfortable but not bulky.

 

Badfish Chair

Badfish Chair

Sturdy and Comfortable SUP Seat for Fishing

The Badfish Perch fishing chair allows you to still comfortably in a raised position while fishing. The backrest is adjustable so you can also lean back when you want to relax.

Best Paddle Board Kayak Seat Reviews

Read of for my reviews of these SUP kayak seats:

best kayak seats for paddle boards Pin

1. Isle Cloud Kayak Seat

I never felt that kayak seats were truly comfortable, until I had the chance to put the Isle Cloud Kayak Seat through its paces. And let me tell you, it’s not just good, it’s a game-changer. This multifaceted seat sits pretty on a range of paddle boards with straps and clips designed to make securing and removing the seat as easy as pie. Its sturdy, water-resistant material is engineered to stand up to the elements while also providing solid back support. A convenient mesh pocket at the rear also comes in handy for stashing your must-haves. Plus, the navy/grey and black/grey color options offer some customization.

Now let’s get personal. The comfort factor of this seat is off the charts, allowing me to spend hours out on the water without feeling the burn. It’s the elevated design of the seat and the great back support that really does it for me, as it makes paddling more comfortable and efficient.

I should also mention, there’s no need to worry about seat slip or movement while on board. It’s rock-solid.

And if you want to crank up your paddle boarding experience, pair this seat with the Cloud Kayak Foot Brace from Isle. This nifty attachment lets you harness your core muscles, allowing you to paddle longer and use less energy. It’s like an energy drink, but without the sugar crash.

To wrap it up, the Isle Cloud Kayak Seat is an A-list accessory for anyone looking to take their paddle boarding comfort and enjoyment up a notch. It’s well-made, user-friendly, and won’t break the bank.

What I Like
  • Very comfortable: the raised seat and good back support make your paddle strokes more efficient and comfortable.
  • Adjustable: it’s easy to attach and detach the seat with the adjustable straps.
What I Don’t Like
  • No zipper:: the mesh seat doesn’t have a zipper, so I’d personally hesitate to my phone or other valuables in it.

Check Price of the Isle Cloud Kayak Seat

2. GILI Paddle Board Kayak Seat

GILI Paddle Board Kayak Seat

Gili is not a new name in the paddle boarding game. They make some of the best inflatable SUPs and their accessories are just as good. 

The Gili SUP kayak seat offers a quick way to convert your SUP into a kayak. It comes with sturdy hooks and straps so you can attach the seat securely. 

I love how the form-fitting design holds your back, giving you amazing support all day long. Both the base and backrest have enough padding so you won’t be complaining about soreness at the end of your trip. 

You can attach the Gili kayak seat to any stand up paddle board, as long as it has D-rings. 

Another feature that made me happy is the detachable storage bag at the back of the seat. As a paddler, I can never say no to extra storage, especially if it’s conveniently located and doesn’t take up more room on the deck. 

The Gili seat base is 15 inches wide and 12 inches long while the backrest is 20 inches wide and 18 inches wide. It can easily support most paddlers. 

What I Like
  • Detachable storage bag: It offers a convenient place for you to store essentials that you need quick access to such as your phone and drinking water.
  • Adequate padding: The Gili kayak seat has thick padding on the base and backrest to keep you nice and comfortable throughout your trip.
  • Quality construction: This SUP kayak seat is built using neoprene which is durable and quick-drying. The snap hooks feel solid too and I’m confident they’ll last a long time.
What I Don’t Like
  • No warranty: Unlike other Gili accessories the seat isn’t covered by a warranty but you get a 60-day guarantee.

Check Price of the GILI Kayak Seat

3. Kayak Seat Cushion

irocker kayak cushion

This is a cushion that you place under your kayak seat for additional padding. 

Most kayak seats are adequately padded but after a while, they get thinner and uncomfortable. If that’s the case for you, then this seat cushion can help. It also gives you a little height while sitting, making you even more comfortable. 

I love that it is lightweight too so it’s easy to carry along with the rest of your gear. And it floats, which is awesome. 

Another cool thing about this cushion is that it doesn’t slide off. If you’ve had a kayak seat or cushion that won’t stay in place then you know how frustrating it can be. This one stays in place even when you aren’t sitting.

Lastly, you’ll love the fact that this cushion comes with a slot for your paddle. If you don’t have a paddle holder on your inflatable SUP, you’ll now have somewhere to secure your paddle. 

What I Like
  • Paddle slot: It offers somewhere for you to safely store your paddle when you want to free your hands.
  • Lightweight: It is light and easy to transport.
  • Perfectly padded: The cushion is comfortable and actually good for the back too.
What I Don’t Like
  • Not large: This seat cushion may not be big enough for larger paddlers.

Check Price of the iRocker Kayak Cushion

4. Bote Aero SUP Paddle Seat

bote aero seat

If you’re looking for a large seat that’s also easy to transport, the Bote Aero would be great for you.

It is inflatable, which means it won’t take up much space. But once inflated it is big and can support up to 300 pounds. Anyone can use it regardless of their size. 

One of my favorite features about the Bote Aero SUP board seat is that you sit in a raised sitting position. This makes it comfortable enough to sit in even for day-long paddle boarding trips. 

It features soft foam padding and the recline angle is adjustable. Your back will definitely thank you. 

What’s better? It is built using the same AeroBote technology that Bote use on their inflatable paddle boards. It comes with a two-year warranty too so you know it will last.

What I Like
  • Large and sturdy: Some SUP kayak seats can be a little small for paddlers on the bigger side. The Bote seat is large and has a weight capacity of 300 pounds, suitable for people of all sizes.
  • Inflatable: It may be big but once deflated it’s small and easy for you to transport.
  • Comfortable: The back support is awesome and you can even adjust the recline angle for maximum comfort.
What I Don’t Like
  • Not cheap: The Bote Aero is a little more on the expensive side but I’d say it’s worth it.

Check Price of the Bote Aero Seat

5. iRocker Kayak Seat

irocker kayak seat

The iRocker seat is a simple accessory that will make a huge difference in your paddling experience. 

This seat is made using neoprene material which is quick drying. Getting wet while paddle boarding is also inevitable, which is why I love this material. If the seat gets wet it dries fast so you won’t be sitting in discomfort. 

The material is also tough and can withstand a lot of use and exposure to the elements. You’ll be using it for a while. 

Another great thing about this paddle board kayak seat is the padding. It is neither too much nor too little. It offers enough comfort without being bulky.

The straps are adjustable so you can secure the seat nicely to your paddle board.

What I Like
  • Thick padding: It feels comfortable, offering just enough padding so you won’t be sore at the end of your trip.
  • Quality construction: The iRocker kayak seat is one of the toughest you can find and it won’t come apart easily. The stitching is solid too.
  • Easy to attach: If your SUP board already has D-rings, it only takes a few seconds to attach the iRocker kayak seat.
What I Don’t Like
  • The back isn’t very high: The backrest offers great support but it may not be high enough for tall paddlers.

Check Price of the iRocker Kayak Seat

6. Bluefin Kayak Seat

bluefin kayak seat

The Bluefin kayak seat is a nice option for longer trips because of how comfortable it is. Both the backrest and base are thickly padded, giving you comfort for hours. 

I also love how it hugs your back and offers some much-needed support, especially when you’ve been standing for a while. 

This paddle board kayak seat comes with adjustable straps and quick attachment clips and you can easily attach it to your SUP even while on the water. Detaching it is also easy and it’s only a matter of seconds. 

What I Like
  • Back support: Getting a SUP kayak seat that supports your back well isn’t easy but the Bluefin does a fantastic job and you won’t have to worry about back pain.
  • Thick padding: The padded base and backrest offer incredible comfort and you can paddle for hours.
  • Easy attachment: As long as your paddle board has D-rings, it only takes a minute or two to attach your Bluefin seat.
What I Don’t Like
  • No warranty: Bluefin offers a warranty for almost all their accessories, including fins, but not the kayak seat.

Check Price of the Bluefin Kayak Seat

7. Badfish Perch SUP Fishing Chair

badfish fish chair

This is my favorite chair for paddle board angling. 

It is made using strong aluminum and durable, breathable fabric. The seat feels tough and won’t get damaged easily. Despite the rugged construction, the Badfish Perch is lightweight and easy to carry, which is amazing. 

This seat will have you in a raised comfortable position that is just perfect for fishing. I love that the backrest is adjustable so you won’t be limited to just a single recline angle. 

Another amazing thing about the Badfish Perch is that you’ll have room for storage under the seat, unlike most of the other kayak seats. 

What I Like
  • Raised sitting position: It lowers your center of gravity for fishing but you’ll still be high enough to have a good view of the water.
  • Quality construction: This seat is made using high-quality materials and it can hold SUP anglers of all sizes.
  • Under-seat storage: Anglers require a lot of space for their gear so it’s nice to have some storage room under the seat.
What I Don’t Like
  • Expensive: The Badfish Perch SUP seat is the best one you can get for fishing, but it’s not very cheap.

Check Price of the Badfish Perch Chair

8. Ocean Kayak Comfort Plus Seat

ocean comfort plus seat

One of the most notable things about the Ocean Kayak Comfort Plus seat is its back support. It is impressive and I’d recommend it for paddlers with back pain. It hugs your back nicely, regardless of your body type and you can stay in the water for hours. It is also high enough for taller paddlers. 

The nylon material used to make the Ocean Kayak Comfort Plus is breathable so you won’t be uncomfortably hot and sweaty when paddling in hot weather. The material is UV-resistant too–don’t worry about the elements. 

This paddle board kayak seat has four-way adjustability and you can adjust it to fit you perfectly. 

What I Like
  • Back support: The Ocean Kayak paddle board seat offers fantastic back support for paddlers of all sizes so you can paddle comfortably for hours.
  • Breathable material: It has built-in ventilation which ensures that you stay cool, dry, and happy the entire trip.
  • Adjustability: I love the four-way adjustability because it allows you to adjust the seat to the perfect fit for you.
What I Don’t Like
  • Thin seat: The padding on the seat is a little thin and it can get uncomfortable after a while.

Check Price of the Ocean Comfort Plus Seat

9. Pelican Boats SUP Kayak Seat

Pelican Boats SUP Kayak Seat

The Pelican Boats kayak seat features a simple design and is easy to attach to your paddle board.

I love that this seat is suitable for both adults and kids so you can attach it to the family SUP. It has multiple adjustable straps so you can adjust it to comfortably fit whoever is using it. 

The Pelican Boats kayak seat is made using tough nylon. It is water repellent and hard to tear so it will last a long time. It comes with a one-year warranty too. 

Like many of the other SUP seats here, it attaches to D-rings so you don’t need extra tools. The padding is great–you can go on your paddling trips and not have to worry about soreness. 

What I Like
  • Affordable: This kayak seat for paddle boards is affordable so you don’t have to break the bank.
  • Well-made: It may not cost much but the nylon material is heavy-duty and extremely durable. You’ll be using it for a while.
  • Easy to attach and adjust: All you need are D-rings and most paddle boards come with them already installed. Attachment is easy to figure out.
What I Don’t Like
  • No high back support: If you need high back support, especially taller paddlers, this may not be the right seat for you.

Check Price of the Pelican Seat

10. Freein Premium Kayak Seat – Convert a SUP into a Kayak

Freein Paddle board Kayak Seat

The Freein seat is made using 600D polyester and neoprene while the snap hooks are made of marine-grade stainless brass. It is quick-drying and extremely durable; it won’t come apart easily.

I love the padded and contoured backrest as it’s super comfortable and offers awesome back support. It is ideal for paddlers of all sizes. The padded seat is comfortable too and I wouldn’t mind using it for longer SUP trips. 

The Freein paddle board seat comes with four adjustable straps to help you secure and adjust it for maximum comfort. 

What I Like
  • High back support: If you secure this kayak seat properly, you’ll be able to lean back comfortably just as you would in a regular chair. It’s so comfortable.
  • Durable construction: The marine-grade solid brass and fabric used are tough and can handle a lot of use so you know your SUP seat will last.
  • Adequate padding: Both the base and backrest have sufficient padding. The seat will still be comfortable even after using it for a while.
What I Don’t Like
  • No warranty: Freein is a popular SUP company and it would be nice if the seat came with a warranty.

Check Price of the Freein Seat

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What You Should Look for When Buying a Kayak Seat for Your Paddle Board

Buying a kayak seat for your paddle board can seem like a simple process, but that’s not always the case. To make it easier, here are the factors you should consider. 

1. Compatibility: Is the Kayak Seat Compatible with Your SUP Board?

You have to be able to attach the seat to your SUP board so this is important. Most paddle board kayak seats attach to SUPs using D-rings. 

Make sure your paddle board has them. If it doesn’t you can get aftermarket D-rings and attach them to the SUP. They’re usually just patches that stick to the board so you won’t have to drill your paddle board. 

Other seats may require an accessory mounting kit so make sure you confirm before you buy. 

2. What Material Is Used to Make the Kayak Seat?

You’ll be using your paddle board kayak seat in the water so you need a material that is waterproof or at least water-resistant. 

Quick-drying material like neoprene is also great because if the seat gets wet–which is expected–you won’t be uncomfortable the entire trip. 

Lastly, you want to look for material that is durable like nylon. Exposure to the elements can quickly degrade materials so it’s important to have something tough and long-lasting. 

3. Do You Want an Inflatable or Non-Inflatable Paddle Board Kayak Seat? 

Most kayak seats for paddle boards are non-inflatable, made of foam, while a few are inflatable. 

The main benefit of an inflatable seat is that you can have a large one that won’t be hard to transport and store because you’ll just deflate it. However, with a non-inflatable seat, you’ll not have the extra steps of inflating and deflating every time you want to go paddling. 

So it all comes down to personal preference. 

4. Comfort: Check the Padding and Size of the Seat

If the padding is not enough, you’ll have an uncomfortable experience and you’ll also be all sore by the end of the day–not to mention back pain. The same goes for size. A seat that is too small for you won’t give you the comfort you’re looking for. 

Check the dimensions of the SUP kayak seat to confirm that it’s right for you. 

How do you Attach a Kayak Seat to a Paddle Board?

To attach a kayak seat to a paddle board, you need to have a paddle board with D-rings on the deck and a kayak seat with straps. Here are the steps to follow:

  • Place the kayak seat in the center of the paddle board where you would normally stand or kneel.
  • Attach the front straps of the seat to the D-rings at the nose end of the paddle board.
  • Attach the back straps of the seat to the rear D-rings on the paddle board.
  • Adjust the seat straps to make sure the seat is secure and comfortable.

You can also watch this video for a visual demonstration:

Attaching a kayak seat to a paddle board can improve your experience by giving you more options and comfort. You can switch between standing and sitting, depending on your preference and the water conditions. You can also enjoy more back support and stability while sitting on the seat. A kayak seat can also make your paddle board more versatile, as you can use it for fishing, touring, or relaxing.

Conclusion

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Standup paddleboarding is a fun activity, but, sometimes, you can get tired of standing. Beginners may also want to use a seat before they can stand. 

All the above paddle board kayak seats are awesome and will fit almost any paddle board. 

The Isle Cloud Kayak Seat is at the top of my list because it offers comfort for hours with its thick padding. I also love the detachable storage bag that comes with it. It’s great for smaller accessories. 

The kayak seat cushion would be ideal for you if you want additional padding without having to buy a whole new seat. Just put it under your old seat and enjoy. 

The Bote Aero seat is perfect for the paddler who wants a luxurious experience out in the water. It is large, raised, and comfortable. It would be great for long touring or camping trips. 

Pick the paddle board kayak seat that suits you best and go have fun.

Happy paddling!

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