How to Buy and Use A Canoe Seat Back

A canoe seat back is an insulated, folding seat placed on top of your existing canoe seat. Here's how to buy and use one of these inexpensive and vital canoeing accessories.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Buy a canoe seat back online, or at a camping goods store like REI or Sportsman's Warehouse.
   
   Look for a model that has insulated foam, is lightweight, and has buckle straps on the bottom that secure the seat back to your canoe seat. If your canoe has contoured seats, you'll need to buy a seat back without a rigid bottom.

2. Place the seat back on the seat of your canoe. Loop the bottom buckle straps under the seat and buckle them closed. Then tighten the seat back onto your canoe seat.

3. Now, sitting in seat, tighten the left and right diagonal adjustment straps. These straps change the angle of the seat back.

4. If you plan to paddle hard across a lake, tighten the left and right diagonal adjustment straps, and you'll have a seat to lean back into, increasing the power of your paddle strokes.

5. If you plan to paddle at a more leisurely pace, release the adjustment straps. The seat back will now support you in a more upright position.