I’ve always thought that sitting down on a paddleboard is a bit like ordering a cup of tea at the pub – you can do it, but it feels a bit wrong. Still, when a friend lent me their Wave Pro (complete with Wave kayak conversion seat), curiosity got the better of me, and, as it turns out, there’s something to be said for giving your legs a rest every now and then…
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Quick Overview
- Converts any SUP with D-rings into a sit-down kayak in minutes.
- Comfortable padded seat for supported, relaxed paddling.
- Adjustable straps that clip easily to your board’s D-rings.
- Compact and lightweight, so it’s easy to store or carry.
- Affordable at £24.99, making it a budget-friendly upgrade.
- Available separately or as part of Wave’s full kayak conversion kit.
My Experience with Wave Kayak Conversion Seat
I’ve never really been one for sitting down on my paddleboard – in my mind, it kind of defeats the point of stand up paddleboarding. But when I recently borrowed a friend’s Wave Pro, which came with a kayak conversion seat, I thought, why not give it a try?
A few evenings ago, I met up with a friend for a summer sunset paddle. In true British fashion, the “sunset” turned out to be dull and grey, but still a great outing. I wasn’t sure if I’d actually use the seat, but I strapped it under the front bungees just in case.
Partway through, my friend, still building her confidence, spent a lot of time on her knees. So I decided to join her at a lower level and test the seat. In hindsight, it might have been smarter to familiarise myself with it on dry land, but fitting it on the water wasn’t tricky. The four straps clipped onto the D-rings of my Wave Tourer – two at the base going to the rear D-rings, and two from the back of the seat looping forward. A quick pull through the buckles tightened everything up.
Once in place, I was surprised by how comfortable it was. The foam padding gave good support, and sitting lower made the board feel faster and more stable. I’d planned only to use it for a short distance, but ended up paddling the entire way back like that – chatting, sharing a pack of Haribo, and enjoying a relaxed cruise. Leaning back felt natural, and paddling was easy with the paddle adjusted to its shortest length.
To answer the question in the title – yes, the Wave Kayak Conversion Seat is a paddleboard accessory worth owning. I really enjoyed using it and will happily bring it along for slower, social paddles where the focus is more on company than covering distance.
You can buy the seat on its own or as part of Wave’s kayak conversion kit (which also includes a double-ended paddle – ideal if you plan to paddle kayak-style more often). It also comes included in some of Wave’s SUP packages, like the Pro and Woody boards.
Wave Kayak Conversion Seat Pros and Cons
Pros
- Budget-friendly price and good value for money.
- Quick, tool-free setup with simple strap adjustments.
- Comfortable enough for longer, more relaxed paddles.
Cons
- Buckles looked a little weak, and I worry how they may hold up long-term.
- Better suited to leisurely paddles than fast touring.
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More Wave Kayak Conversion Seat Photos
Learn More
Like this review? Well, you’re in luck as I’ve got a bunch of other great resources for you to explore here…
- How To Paddle Board: Complete SUP Guide for Beginners
- What To Wear Paddle Boarding
- 19 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Paddleboarding
- Best Paddle Board Accessories
- The Waterways Licence Explained
- Best Dryrobe Alternative Changing Robes
I borrowed the Wave Kayak Conversion Seat from a friend to test and review. My review is independent of the supplier and reflects my own unbiased opinions. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links at no additional cost to you. You can read my affiliate disclosure in the privacy policy.
About the Author
Steve Cleverdon is an outdoor adventure specialist with 15+ years of hiking, camping, and paddle boarding experience. He has conquered Europe’s toughest trails including the GR20 in Corsica, walked 3,000km solo across New Zealand, and worked professionally in the outdoors industry. Steve’s gear reviews and recommendations are based on real-world testing across four continents, from coastal waters to mountain peaks. Learn more about Steve or get in touch.
