Foam for Kayaks
Kayaking and other water sports, motorised and non-motorised, have taken centre stage in recent years, often the focus of outdoor holidays and a hobby for many. The UK has many fantastic spots, from coastal towns to the lakes of northern England. Whether at a dedicated centre or with your own equipment, comfort matters as much as safety, and the two often go hand in hand – the hollow rigid structure of a kayak means the rider often needs extra support for adequate control.
Which foam for water sports?
Foam in water sports is typically closed-cell polyethylene foam, known for hygienic qualities that keep it resistant to mould, mildew, bacteria and cleaning chemicals. As water sports equipment sees heavy use, particularly at public centres, closed-cell polyethylene is durable enough for general wear and tear. Plastazote superior closed-cell foam is also popular: water-resistant and non-absorbent, with many of the same properties as closed-cell polyethylene, and typically wrapped in a vinyl cover ideal for wipe-clean seating.
Foam for kayak seating
A popular use is kayak seating, to make movement more comfortable. As kayaks are typically solid polyethylene plastic, they aren't comfortable without support. Using our cut to size tool, our foams are available in any custom shape, depth and dimension, so seat or back pads can be contoured to a generic spec or to fit an individual, and made as soft or dense as you prefer.
Foam for motorised craft and hand grips
The same applies to seats on motorised water sports equipment. With so many models, replacing an existing foam seat can be tricky if not done through the manufacturer – but with our cut-to-size capabilities we can provide a solution to any seating specification. The foam can then be reupholstered by a maintenance technician, or by you with the right skills. Foam also works for hand grips and comfort solutions on oars and handlebars of equipment such as jet skis, protecting the hands and typically wrapped in a rubber grip. As these are often cleaned with gentle chemicals or sugar soap, a moisture- and chemical-resistant foam is crucial for longevity. For related uses, see our guides to foam for boats and life jackets and swim vests.
Please call one of our friendly colleagues for personal guidance on foam for your water sports activities.
Frequently asked questions
What foam is used for kayaks and water sports?
Typically closed-cell polyethylene foam, which resists mould, mildew, bacteria and cleaning chemicals and is durable enough for heavy use. Plastazote superior closed-cell foam is also popular, being water-resistant and non-absorbent, often wrapped in a wipe-clean vinyl cover.
Can I replace a kayak seat with custom foam?
Yes. Using a cut-to-size tool, foam can be ordered in any shape, depth and dimension, so seat or back pads can be contoured to a generic spec or to fit an individual, and made as soft or as dense as preferred.
What foam is used for hand grips on jet skis and oars?
Foam hand grips add comfort and protect the hands, and are typically wrapped in a rubber grip. As they're cleaned with gentle chemicals or sugar soap, a foam suitably resistant to moisture and chemicals is important for longevity.
