Hobie EVA Kayak Decking Kits are custom-cut to fit every curve of your Hobie kayak and deliver supreme comfort, traction and sound-dampening qualities. I’m sure you know, there is a myriad of additions to really set your Hobie kayak up just the way you want, and one of those additions is the EVA decking kit. So, let’s have a good look at the deck pads I’ve added to my Hobie Pro Angler 12 360.

Installing Hobie EVA Kayak Decking Kits

Adding the EVA decking kit is one addition I knew I wanted to add to my Hobie Pro Angler Kayak. The Hobie EVA deck kits look amazing on the Hobie kayaks, especially when applied to the Hobie Pro Angler range in particular. With the Hobie Pro Angler, there is a lot of deck space and, therefore, a lot of EVA decking that can be added which can help break up the single-colour Pro Anglers like Papaya, for example.

What’s Included

Hobie EVA Deck Kits are supplied in packages specifically designed to suit various Hobie kayaks like the Compass, Lynx and Outback models, with each piece of the kit specifically cut and shaped to match the deck perfectly. Also, depending on what model Hobie kayak you own, there are a few colours to choose from. In my case, owning a PA 12 360, I had a choice of Grey / Black or Black /Grey ( PA 360 Kits), and as my PA is a mix of Blue/Black/White CAMO, I opted for the Grey/Black which is visually quite subtle and matches the colouring of my particular kayak. Other Hobie models have a few more colours to choose from so you can really dial in an EVA deck kit to suit the colour of your kayak.

Hobie EVA deck Kit Benefits

Apart from looking good, the EVA decking also changes the feel and sound of the kayak. Feel-wise, no matter where you stand, the decking feels soft underfoot and adds some traction when the decking gets wet. Also, during summer, the decking is cooler to stand on and adds more insulation to the items you have stored inside the kayak hull. Another aspect of the decking, which a lot of sport anglers like, is being able to rest the fish on it once landed. For the fish, at least, it’s softer and not as hot as the plastic. The decking also makes for a good photo. Sound-wise, the EVA decking dulls the overall sound of the kayak, which is epic when trying to be stealthy. For example, by dropping a jig head on the EVA decking, you’ll hear a dull thud instead of the sharp sound of the jig head hitting the plastic. This is because the Hobie EVA decking is quite thick. Whilst I’m touching on the construction, the foam itself is a double layered closed cell construction, meaning it won’t take on any water nor add any extra weight to the kayak when it gets wet, also being mould, stain and resistant to colour fade makes for a very durable addition to a kayak.

Ok, now that we’ve gone over the benefits of EVA decking, is it a must-have additional? For me, the short answer is Yes, I can live without it, but like I said earlier, I knew the EVA decking was something I wanted not only for the sound benefits but for the overall aesthetics of the kayak as well. That being said, it’s really a personal choice as to whether the benefits of EVA decking are worth it, but if you would like your kayak to stand out from the crowd EVA decking is a really good way to do.