If you’ve ever wondered how to set up a SUP as a kayak, you’re in luck. Your SUP was designed to be a transformer! We’ll cover exactly how to set up your SUP kayak seat and paddle with detailed instructions so you can head out on the water in kayak mode.
To set up your SUP as a kayak you’ll need a couple of key pieces of gear: a kayak seat and a kayak paddle or blade. If you’ve got a Thurso Surf SUP, your board is already set up with D-rings in the right places to easily attach a kayak seat. Also, the 3-piece travel paddle included in every one of our full-sized SUP package is designed to swap the t-bar handle grip for a paddle blade. That means you don’t have to buy a whole new paddle. Your extra paddle blade will attach to your existing paddle and fit easily into your roller backpack.
Required gear
- Thurso Surf SUP/Kayak Seat
- Thurso Surf Carbon Hybrid Paddle
- Thurso Surf Carbon Hybrid Paddle Blade (to attach to other end, creating a double-bladed kayak paddle)
Add a second blade for a double-bladed kayak paddle.
How to Set Up Your SUP Kayak Seat
Time to get started transforming your SUP into a kayak. Don’t worry; our innovative design makes the setup easy! With the high quality PE material used in construction, the Thurso Surf SUP Kayak Seat provides both support and comfort. And the best part is how quick and easy it truly is. After you’ve set it up once, you won’t even have to adjust the straps.
Step 1: Center your SUP kayak seat
After inflating your board, position the SUP kayak seat near the middle of the board where you’d normally sit or kneel when paddling. You’ll notice there are four D-rings nearby that are used to anchor the seat.
Center your seat and position it where you’d like to sit.
Step 2: Attach your sup kayak seat to the front and rear D-rings
Now that your seat is in position, take the two straps at the front of the seat and attach them to the D-rings toward the nose of the board. Simply clip each strap to its D-ring, as seen in the photo below. Then, once the front straps are secured, it’s time to attach the back straps. Take the two remaining straps from the back of the seat and clip them to the D-rings found at the tail of the board.
Simply clip each strap to the corresponding D-ring.
Step 3: Find your balance and adjust the webbing
Now all you have to do is adjust the straps to your desired position. You’ll get a feel for what you like as you paddle. And don’t worry; it’s even easy to adjust while out on the water. Once you find your sweet spot and get the length of the straps dialed in, it’ll be even quicker and easier to set up your SUP kayak seat the next time.
You can easily adjust the straps if needed while you’re out on the water.
So there you have it! You’ve gone from SUP to kayak in three quick steps. Remember, it’s up to you where to position your seat. We tend to find that slightly back from center is the best paddling position for most people, especially if it’s just you paddling alone. However, as the crew over at iSUP World pointed out, you can also use the D-rings connected to the front or rear webbing to carry a passenger: “It’s ideal to use for padding with a child and easy enough to stand and paddle behind the seat.” Since the seat is easily adjustable even when you’re on the water, you could start paddling on your feet and keep your extra paddle blade stowed under the webbing at the front or back of the board. That way you can sit and kayak if the wind picks up, or you’re feeling tired, or if you just want a change of pace.
Room for two with a little added back support to the front row seat. –iSUP World
How to Set Up a Kayak Paddle
Didn’t think it could get any easier than setting up the SUP kayak seat? Great news, you don’t have to buy a second paddle! Your Thurso Surf paddle is already set up to convert into a kayak paddle quickly and easily. All you have to do is switch out the handle for a paddle blade. Follow the steps below and you’ll easily go from SUP paddle to kayak paddle in no time.
Step 1: Remove the T-bar grip from your SUP paddle
If your paddle is already put together, simply open the clasp and remove the t-bar grip from one end of you paddle.
Unlock and remove the T-bar from your SUP paddle.
Step 2: Insert the kayak paddle blade into the shaft
Now that the t-bar grip is removed, insert the paddle blade. Once it’s inserted, make sure the position of the blade matches the blade on the other end. You’ll hear the pin click when it’s in place.
Insert the paddle blade and position accordingly.
Step 3: Lock in the blade of your kayak paddle
Close the clasp to lock in the blade of your kayak paddle. That’s all it takes. Now you have a kayak paddle with a blade on each end. You’re now ready to hit the water on your vehicle of choice, kayak or SUP!
Waving Goodbye From Your SUP Kayak Seat
Now that you’ve had a run through on how quick and easy it is to set up your SUP kayak seat and paddle, feel free to check out the pieces in more detail on our website. And of course, give us a shout if you have any questions. Looking forward to seeing you on social with your new gear!
Here’s a quick look at the SUP kayak seat and the paddle blade options:
- Thurso Surf SUP/Kayak Seat
- Thurso Surf Carbon Hybrid Paddle
- Thurso Surf Carbon Hybrid Paddle Blade (to attach to other end, creating a double-bladed kayak paddle)
About the Author: Matt G.
Can the Expedition use this seat–could not tell if it has the d-rings of some other of your boards.
Thanks for the shout, Bob,
Absolutely! There are 16 D-rings on the deck of the Expedition so you can set up your Kayak Seat in just about any configuration you’d like.
See you on the water,
Matt
Social @ Thurso Surf
My question is about spine support. As the back cushion thickness, according spec, is just 1 inch, so does it have some other material except foam to make it more rigid ?
Great question Oleg,
The foam itself is rigid and on the firm side but it’s really the tension created by the tie-down straps that secures it in place against your back and provides support. The straps run behind your back about midway up the seat. That is the level of greatest support. The rest of the seat extends up your back ending below the shoulder blades depending on your torso length. The upper part above the strap flexes but holds you in place. You’ll notice the straps leading forward are taut in the images as the paddler leans back against the seat. You can also how it works in the video. The seat provides a confident but comfortable hold, flexing a bit to conform to your back as tension is created. Let me know if you have any further questions! I’m always happy to help.
See you on the water,
Matt
Social @ Thurso Surf