My wife finds the seat in her Current Designs Solstice GTS kayak could use a bit more padding. The factory seat pad is in good condition, but another layer of padding is needed.
She has tried my decades-old Thermarest paddling seat pad and it makes a big difference in the comfort but unfortunately Thermarest no longer makes their paddling seat pad and my sciatica doesn’t allow me to give it up.
Does anyone have an experience with Skwoosh’s kayak paddling cuhsion? Anyone have an old Thermarest paddling seat pad collecting dust in the closet?
Any and all suggestions and recommendations are welcomed and appreciated.
Jackson Sweet Cheeks sounds like a good option, similar in some ways to my old Thermarest paddling seat. I see Western Canoe and Kayak have them in stock.
It sounds like you want a pad that is somewhat thick and squishy. Nevertheless I’ll suggest an alternative - a thin minicell foam pad. You can make such a pad easily, but they are also sold as a piece/part in outfitting kits. For example, from NRS you find:
This has worked for me in a few cases. One way to install is to merely glue it to the seat with an appropriate contact cement.
I know several people that use Skwoosh’s kayak paddling cushions and are happy with it. I don’t advise anything much thicker that that as a relatively small addition to how high you sit can noticeably affect your perception of stability in the boat.
I agree, it’s a simple, inexpensive and durable solution.
I never liked Thermarest pads in a kayak, as they make it much harder to edge the boat and to counter boat movement. When you push one hip down, the air just moves to the other side of the pad and the boat doesn’t respond. For it to work decently, you have to deflate it to the point that it doesn’t really supply any padding.
Another vote for a Thermarest Ridge Rest Foam pad, cut to shape. I prefer to minicell but “your butt may vary”
I only use this for long ultra-endurance races. One problem with foam is that it stops butt rotation in the seat, so I cover the foam with a thin teflon pad. For regular touring I wouldn’t bother with the teflon.
Couple of easy options. Shorts made for bicycling with built-in padding (wore em today) and one of those hunter’s seat pads, widely available, inexpensive and effective. I have a thin and thick Skwoosh pad and am not impressed.
It depends on what your anatomical problem is. I’ve tried various materials to relieve piriformis, sciatica, and other pains in that area and I can only tolerate an inflatable cushion, which should be held to about 1" maximum as any more thickness will affect stability. When the water gets too rough I remove the cushion to lower my center of gravity. I have 3 of these (office, car, kayak): Amazon.com
That one is cheaper and more durable than other brands I’ve tried. I’ve never had one fail or develop a leak despite daily use.
After discussing the different options, she decided that she would like to try the Jackson Kayak Sweet Cheeks. The thought it that one should provide a bit more cushion and maybe additional leg support, which will also be appreciated. Will have it in time for next weekends adventure.
Years ago I got a “crack o dawn” seat pad that works like a self inflating pad, but is contoured to fit a kayak seat. These old bones need their comfort, so I bought a very expensive Point 65 air seat which is great, but by the end of a long day I still bring out the air pad. it rolls up next to nothing, think I got it thru Austin Kayak, but I think I read they are “no more”
I purchased a Teton Sports Camping Seat Cushion ($19.99) for another purpose and used it in my new Current Design Vision 14. I love that its inflatable but also has some inherent cushion so I can get it just right. I use it in other outdoor settings and am very happy. I bought a JAG kayak seat years ago for my Necky Manitou '14 and its been a champ. Unfortunately styles have changed so I can’t vouch for anything currently available.
