We’re all about using creativity to take your SUP investment as far as possible. While every iROCKER board packs plenty of adventure opportunities, it’s always fun to take things to the next level. Get even more out of your board with our versatile SUP to Kayak Conversion Kit.
Test your limits in the ocean or Intracoastal by converting your SUP into a kayak and in less than five minutes you have a completely different piece of equipment and another sport!
Transforming your SUP into a kayak provides not only a different on-the-water experience, but also offers several benefits. If you’re paddling long distances, having the option to take a break and give your legs a rest means you can adventure further, longer. Having a dual-blade kayak paddle can also be helpful against strong winds or currents. The option to sit down while SUP fishing can also prove beneficial as a seated position can give you more leverage while reeling in your catch—not to mention can be more comfortable if you’re planning a long day of trawling on the water!
Follow this simple advice for your paddle/blade and SUP board and you’ll be kayaking before you know it.
“Even though I primarily like to stand up and paddle, I like the flexibility of being able to use the board as a kayak when my daughter is on board with me. We enjoy using our iROCKER as a kayak more than our actual kayak.”
– Justin N., iROCKER customer
FIVE SIMPLE STEPS TO TURN YOUR IROCKER INFLATABLE PADDLE BOARD INTO A KAYAK
Step 1: Purchase the Right Kayak Bundle for Your Board Type
We can’t stress this enough—make sure the kit you purchase is compatible with your SUP package. Our SUP to Kayak Conversion Kit is compatible with all iROCKER boards.
Step 2: Attach the Seat Straps to the Rings
Place the kayak seat facing forward in the middle of your paddle board. Attach the straps on the top of the kayak seat to the D-rings on the front of your board, then attach the straps on the bottom of the kayak seat to the D-rings on the back of your board.
Step 3: Flip the Seat Up and Adjust Straps to Desired Length
Once all the straps are attached correctly, flip open the seat. Adjust the straps accordingly to make sure the seat opens evenly. You may need to take the kayak out for a spin and adjust the straps to fit the posture that’s most comfortable for you.
There you go! Your board is now a kayak. Now it’s time to attach the kayak blade to your SUP paddle.
Step 4: Pull the T-Bar Handle Out of the Paddle
Simply flip the attachment piece on the paddle to remove the original top handle.
Step 5: Replace the T-Bar Handle with the Kayak Blade
Push the kayak blade from your kit into the open end of the paddle. Click the latch down to secure it in place. Now you have a dual-sided paddle perfect for your kayak adventures!
If you’d rather watch—check out this quick how-to video.
That’s all there is to it! The SUP to Kayak Conversion Kit is a great way to save hundreds of dollars on a traditional kayak and a great way to get more out of your SUP. Be sure to take your SUP-Kayak combo on your next trip for endless hours of water fun on your feet or on your bum.
OTHER ISUP ACCESSORIES YOU’LL LOVE
WATERPROOF/BLUETOOTH STEREO ATTACHMENT
If you crave music while you’re on the water, the VIBE Waterproof Speaker is the perfect accessory. Simply use the suction feature to securely attach it to your SUP.
ATTACHABLE COOLER DECK BAG
Gone are the days of relaxing in the middle of the water without a cold drink or snacks in hand. An advanced bungee system attaches the water-resistant Cooler Deck Bag to the D-rings on your board for on-the-go convenience.
ELECTRIC PUMP
Function is the name of the game with the fast-acting iROCKER 12V Electric Pump. Inflate your board to 15 PSI in 12 minutes or less and spend more time on the water.
Going on a kayak trip? Check out our kayak gear!
FAQs: How to Convert Your Stand-Up Paddle Board into a Kayak
1. Why convert a SUP into a kayak?
Converting your SUP gives you the best of both worlds. It lowers your center of gravity, which offers greater stability in choppy water or high winds. It’s also perfect for when your legs get tired, or if you simply want a more relaxed, seated view for fishing or sightseeing.
2. What equipment do I need for the conversion?
You essentially need two things: a detachable Kayak Seat and a Kayak Blade attachment. iROCKER offers a complete Kayak Conversion collection that includes the seat and the extra blade, which turns your standard SUP paddle into a dual-blade kayak paddle.
3. How do I attach the kayak seat?
It is very simple. Most iROCKER boards come equipped with pre-installed D-rings on the center of the deck pad. Simply align the Kayak Seat in the middle of the board, and clip the four adjustable straps (two front, two back) to these D-rings. Tighten the straps until the seat back is upright and supportive.
4. How do I convert my paddle for kayak mode?
Your standard iROCKER paddle is a 3-piece system. To convert it, simply remove the T-bar handle section (the top piece) and replace it with the Kayak Blade attachment. This creates a double-ended paddle, allowing you to stroke on both sides efficiently while seated.
5. Is my SUP compatible with the conversion kit?
Most inflatable SUPs are compatible as long as they have the necessary D-rings on the deck. All iROCKER and BLACKFIN boards feature these attachment points specifically designed for the kayak seat conversion.
6. What are the benefits of paddling in kayak mode?
Kayak mode reduces wind resistance since you are sitting lower to the water, making it easier to paddle against a headwind. It also utilizes different muscle groups (shoulders and core rather than legs and stabilizers), allowing you to paddle longer distances with less fatigue.
7. Are there limitations to converting a SUP into a kayak?
While versatile, a SUP is wider and flatter than a traditional touring kayak, so it may not cut through the water quite as fast. You also sit on top of the deck rather than inside a cockpit, so you are more exposed to splashes in rough water.
8. How long does the conversion take?
The process is incredibly fast. Once you are familiar with the straps, you can clip the seat on and swap the paddle handle for the blade in under 2 minutes.
9. Can I switch back to SUP mode easily?
Yes! Because the system uses simple clips and pop-lock pins, you can switch back and forth even while you are on the water. Just unclip the seat, stow it under your bungee cargo area, swap the paddle handle back in, and stand up.
10. Will the conversion change the board’s performance?
It will change how the board feels because your weight is distributed differently. The board will feel significantly more stable due to the lower center of gravity. While you might lose a tiny bit of top-end speed compared to a sleek hard-shell kayak, the tracking (ability to go straight) remains excellent, especially if you utilize the fins.
