Most people can ride a horse better if they have a saddle.
You may also benefit by installing thigh straps and toe blocks. Some whitewater fittings can be awkward, or even dangerous, in a wilderness tripping canoe. Better to eliminate thigh straps and concentrate instead on tuning your seats and knee pads. Kneelers will want a seat with a leading edge that has been dropped down about three-quarters of an inch. The angled attitude prevents the edge of the seat from digging in to your buttocks when you kneel.