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Greenland Forum

Should I remove a fiberglass seat?
Author Last Post
4/11/2025 1:00 PM

I replaced the seat in an NDK Explorer with foam years ago and paddled it for many years either that seat. Very comfortable, didn’t impact legs at all.


Followed a suggest I got at the time and made it out of two pieces of foam stacked on top of each other. Cut circle out of the bottom one centered under my butt. Let the top layer depress into the void and added to the comfort.


FWIW
4/2/2025 8:37 PM
Most people prefer a foam seat, so my opinion may not be useful.  I find them painful for more than a 20 mile day, especially multiple days in a row.  I have made my Anas Acuta much more comfortable, to me, by replacing the custom foam seat with a glass seat from a Pintail.  I also don't have a back and (or block) in the kayaks I paddle regularly.
4/2/2025 7:03 PM
I removed my seat several years ago and replaced it with foam. I carved it to fit my “seat” perfectly and it’s been great for me. My friend is a kayak fitting expert and he helped guide me. It made my Zegul Greenland feel even more stable. I have no problems with my leg muscles or knees and both of my knee joints are prosthetic.
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4/2/2025 6:35 PM

I had a difficult time determining how much lower I’d sit anticipating a 1/2” thick pad and not being able to get a finger fully under the lowest part of the seat. Might be minimal impact. The legs being flatter is certainly a bigger impact/consideration in terms of having hamstring support into the thigh braces and fearing my legs falling asleep.

4/2/2025 4:23 PM

Everyone's body reacts differently to seat changes. You may find your legs lay flatter using a foam seat. How will that effect you over several hours? You may also lower center of gravity if the foam is an inch or more lower. I was surprised how much 1.5 inches made. I haven't found any other noticeable differences replacing my glass seat.


4/2/2025 3:44 PM

I watched this video (https://youtu.be/8KlrMuAg6uc?si=FHo1DnW6kkCCEBhQ) on getting better connectivity with your kayak and Cheri Perry advocates to replace the fiberglass seat with a closed-cell foam seat pad and back rest. I understand the benefit of this modification for rolling but I’m concerned about how it may impact longer paddling journeys.


It'd be helpful to hear about people’s experiences as well as the advantages/risks of making these seat modifications in a kayak that’s not just dedicated for rolling. I want to improve the overall comfort/support, for both rolling as well as longer (10-15 mile) trips in my new (to me) Valley Qajariaq.

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