Surf to Summit
We pioneered the modern kayak seat.
Twelve years ago, we were the first company to perfect the thermal forming lamination process for kayak seats and accessories. Since then, we've consistently been the industry leader in new product development, cutting edge technology, and benchmark quality. Inspiration. Invention. Innovation. All starts with Surf to Summit.
The GTS series seats evolved from the goal of creating a kayak seat with both rock solid support and amazing comfort. Two features that don't usually go hand in hand. After many hours of testing and prototyping we have accomplished that goal through our proprietary thermo moulding process resulting in what we believe to be the most technically advanced and comfortable kayak seat known to the sit on top industry...
This desirable high performance blend is achieved by sandwiching a flexible polyethylene plastic sheet between a moulded EVA foam face and a 600 denier high density fabric/foam laminate back. This combination of soft and hard gives the paddler what they need…. A high quality long lasting kayak seat with firm comfortable support for endless paddling.
August 2008
Product Review by Rob Fort
Coromandel Kayak Adventures
www.kayakadventures.co.nz
Following the release of the new “Surf to Summit” GTS Expedition seat, which was featured in the last issue of my newsletter, finally I got my hands on one. So here is my review on how it shaped up.
Firstly just to make you aware I have been suffering really bad sciatica in previous times from spending long hours, day in, day out sitting in the kayak. I have tried all sorts of things like changing seating position many times to try and improve this situation with the out come always being the same until now. From the first day that I used the new Surf to Summit Expedition seat I have not encountered this problem and right from the moment I sat in the seat I noticed an immediate difference to the comfort level. It almost felt like I was sitting in the center of the old Ocean Kayak Cabo because when you sat in the Cabo you were positioned a little higher and had only some of your butt cheeks on the sitting surface area which meant that you not only had better comfort but stayed dryer. The same is true for the Expedition seat and it cannot be judged by just sitting in the kayak at the local store to test it, as you won’t get the full benefit of it until you take the seat for a spin. It did not raise my height to the point where it might affect the center of gravity making the kayak less stable.
After spending a couple of days in the Expedition seat I found that this improved it’s performance even more and perhaps this comes down to it molding and conforming to the seat shape of the kayak it is placed into. The seat also has an excellent backrest for when you are fishing. This giving you good lower lumbar and upper back adjustment for perfect positioning to suit every individual’s needs. Despite the large area of the back rest, if set up right will in no way obscure you when paddling, but remains ready to rest back into as soon as you need to. The channels in the base of the seat act as a way for any water to escape and drain away quickly plus allowing the blood to flow down to the legs better preventing you from suffering any numb sensations, caused from bad circulation and even in some cases sciatica.
Extreme comfort is what the Surf to Summit Expedition seat gives you adding further pleasure to an already pleasurable sport. The bonus bungee pack, which is included as standard is excellent for holding lots of bits and pieces and I use it to carry any safety gear like flares and first aid kit.
In the future I plan to have one of these seats on every kayak in the kayak fishing fleet that is used by any clients of Coromandel Kayak Adventures.
My rating is 9.5 out of 10.
Rob Fort
REVIEW: "Surf to Summit" GTS Fishing Seat
It's hard to sound objective when you come across a product such as the new GTS Fishing Seat from Surf to Summit. It was love at first site. As good as this seat looks, it performs even better. In my opinion, this is by far the most capable and luxurious seat on the market
The seat looks like no other. It's sleek style resembles that of a fancy bucket seat you might find in a Porsche or a Ferrari. The moulded foam layers are thick and strategically placed to offer the most comfort and support. Since the seat is so padded, I found an added advantage was it's superb insulation. It's the warmest seat I've ever sat in. Another way you might say that it is the GTS retains a significant amount of body heat which you would normally lose with most other seats.
The new multi point strapping system can be a little intimidating at first glance. But the improved performance you get from the new design is well worth the few extra minutes it may take to adjust it to your liking.
The other benefit from this new 4 point strapping system is that the seat will stay upright without actually sitting in the seat. This was a nice improvement.
I've paddled several days on it and have to say that this is the most luxurious and comfortable seat I've ever used.
- Well Insulated
- Extremely Comfortable
- Great Support
- New 4 point strapping system allowed for better control of the seat position
I tried the seat out in the Ocean Kayak's Scupper Pro TW and Malibu Kayaks Pro Explorer. The seat fit well in both kayaks after some routine adjusting of the straps.
Reviewed
by Jason Morton
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Easy Fit to most Kayak brands

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GTS Expedition & Bungy Pack
KGT 400
$319.00 NZ
These prices are inclusive of the NZ GST (Goods & Services Tax)
The GTS Expedition is a compression moulded kayak seat that shatters the line between form and function. Combining the best qualities of Surf to Summit’s top GTS range of seats, the Expedition has no equal in terms of support, comfort, and durability. A massive seat bottom and a tall, spine-hugging backrest with wrap around lumbar support make the GTS Expedition your number one choice for fishing, touring, or casual paddling. This top of the line high quality, long lasting kayak seat is designed for firm comfortable support for all day sitting and paddling.
New to the GTS line, and exclusively available on the Expedition, the revolutionary bungee pouch takes kayak seat storage to a new level. Specially designed to follow the sleek contours of the GTS Expedition, this colourful pouch is made from durable, flexible mesh, allowing the paddler to safely secure a variety of objects. The complete range of GTS pack options can also be easily attached if preferred. |

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GTS Expedition SB
KGT 410
$302.00 NZ
These prices are inclusive of the NZ GST (Goods & Services Tax)
The GTS Expedition SB has all the features of the regular Expedition, but, by popular demand, utilizes a new "Sport Bottom," allowing it to fit in a wider variety of kayaks and effectively lowering the centre of gravity for the paddler. The 1" thick bottom is more suitable for touring and smaller paddlers, while the GTS Expedition remains the pinnacle for anglers and larger paddlers.
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GTS Pro
Professional Seat
KGT 334
$251.50 NZ
These prices are inclusive of the NZ GST (Goods & Services Tax)
Our new GTS Pro kayak seat was built with the professional fisherman in mind. The new seat boasts a huge 2'' thick contoured thermoformed EVA foam padding that we added to the bottom section of the seat minimizes leg fatigue. An innovative triangular strapping tension system locks the seat into place improving both comfort and support. Also for the recreational paddler who demands day in and day out professional quality and performance. We made the foam moulded upper backrest portion a little shorter than the GTS Elite and the Air Wave without sacrificing any support, for the sole purpose of enhancing the paddler's access to the rear of a kayak's tank well and hatch section. This GTS kayak seat utilizes the same component pack system as the other GTS seats with standard pack and sealed dry bag pack options.
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GTS Elite
KGT 314
$251.50 NZ
These prices are inclusive of the NZ GST (Goods & Services Tax)
With deep moulded centre panels contrasting with the surrounding black padding, the GTS Elite looks like it belongs in a high-end sports car rather than a kayak. The sculpted, curving 18" tall back offers maximum high back support, while two detachable rear pack storage options gives it loads of versatility. Choose from the GTS Standard Zip Pack, or the GTS Dry Bag Pack to safely house any electronic gear etc. Brass attachment clips.
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GTS Airwave
KGT 320 $251.50 NZ
These prices are inclusive of the NZ GST (Goods & Services Tax)
A revolution in the kayaking industry, our new GTS Air Wave puts you on a cushion of air for a new level of long-range comfort and support heretofore unheard of in the sport. The self-inflating twist-valve is durable, effective, and conveniently placed at the rear of the seat for easy access. We've designed the lower pad with a wider base, zero pressure points, and an inflation thickness of up to 1.5". Regardless of your body type or skill level, the Airwave will Guarantee you better comfort and performance.
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Performance Tall Back
KTB 100
$151.00 NZ
These prices are inclusive of the NZ GST (Goods & Services Tax)
Ideal lumbar ergonomics for tall paddlers or anyone needing extra firm back support. The lightweight but burable thermal-molded seat has a 17.5"-tall foam backrest and is available with or without a large, rear zipper pack. Available in Black or Tropical print. Brass attachment clips.
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Outfitter Seat
KOF 301
$99.00
These prices are inclusive of the NZ GST (Goods & Services Tax)
The standard Outfitter kayak seat was the first of this series to be developed to fill the need for a good performing back support while providing a great value for the money. The Outfitter series kayak seats are the strongest longest lasting kayak seats in the S2S range. This seat series was originally designed for rental and instructional kayak programs. With that in mine our quest was to make a kayak seat that could withstand the use and abuse typical of a commercial kayak fleet. The seat is compression moulded and baked, thereby permanently bonding the fabric to the foam. This process makes our kayak seats last considerably longer that any cut and sewn kayak seat. This lacing, as we call it, helps lock the moulded foam face of the kayak seat to the heavy duty PVC plastic reinforcement back. This flexible back is the part that gives the paddler all the structure and support. This insures that the seat will probably last longer than your kayak.
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Outfitter Tall Back Seat
KOF 302
$116.00
These prices are inclusive of the NZ GST (Goods & Services Tax)
The Tall Back Outfitter kayak seat is 16.5'' high making the seat great for larger paddlers or for someone that wants maximum support. It is equipped with the same durable and ergonomically inclined features of the Outfitter seat. It is extremely easy to adjust and attach to the kayak. This seat is available with an optional generously sized zipper pack that detaches from the seat. |
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High Tech Seat
KTH201
$134.50
These prices are inclusive of the NZ GST (Goods & Services Tax)
The High Tech backrest is an ideal family kayak seat. It has quite a history in the kayak world as being one of the first thermo-formed kayak seats as well as being the longest running production seat in the kayak industry. Its basic design and functional attachments make it easy to put on most any sit on top kayaks and a breeze to adjust for customized seating. This kayak seat comfortably supports the widest range of body types, making it a great choice for kayaks used by multiple paddlers. Many of the outfitters and kayak rental shops have used this workhorse for many years. It features an ultra-supportive 12.5"tall by 1'' thick thermal moulded foam backrest, with the seat bottom section that has moulded in grooves to help channel water. Available with or without the standard pack which attaches to the back of the seat for extra storage. |
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