[Paddlewise] custom foam outfitting

On Fri, 30 Jan 1998, Jackie Fenton wrote:

> 
> Hello PaddleWiser friends,
> 
> We've had lots of new subscribers signing up in the middle of some very
> interesting discussions (I've wondered what goes through a new subscriber's
> mind when he/she joins up in the middle of a discussion that reads...
> "Though it would be pretty funny to watch someone running around frantically, 
> with a hot garbage bag full of foam stuck to their butt! Can I watch you try?")
> 
> :-)

Hrmm, seems like I have done exactly what Jackie mentioned above. Come
into the middle of a discussion of molding foam to make a perfect fit. 
This is a good topic, and I may have some information of more than
humorous benefit. 

 Turns out that my little rodeo boat has exactly this kind of outfitting,
and I think it is wonderful. I had it professionally done by Mark Tennant
of in the Seattle area, who has a small side business foam fitting boats. 
He calls his product Fusion Sport Systems. If you live nearby and want an
outstanding and comfortable fit, I suggest giving him a call. He charges
$85 for the full wrap-around seat and thigh braces, and he gives a 30-day
satisfaction guarantee. The foam has a nice thin covering of neoprene that
adds durability and grip. Mark has adapted his technique from his days of
making ski orthotics. 

 This is a product that I have no qualms about endorcing, because it works
so well, and because I am such a fanatic about people having a secure fit
in their boat. The process takes about an hour. The end result is a full
wrap-around your butt from hip to hip that fits absolutely perfectly, and
also secure grips around your knees/thighs. I think there are a lot of
paddlers out there who would be amazed how much of a difference this makes
regarding stability in rough water and when leaning turns. 

 The Feb Sea Kayaker magazine has an excellent article on cockpit
customizing with minicell foam. I suggest everyone read this if you don't
live in the PNW or want to spend the least amount of money. However these
methods are much more work, and I think it would be pretty tough to get a
fit as good as the Fusion Systems.

 Note, I did NOT get any foam stuck to my august person during the
process. Mark has worked out those kinks, but you might wish to ask him
personally how much hair/skin he has lost during prototyping.

 Mark Tennant's number is (425) 746-0323. 

Happy outfitting!

Kevin




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