I have a Chesapeake 16 which I really like and am building a Guillemot which I hope to complete this spring. I got the seat for the Chesapeake from a friend who manufactures kayaks and has a seat mold. I like the seat because it has a back attached and the back's tilt can be changed, but I have found that if I use this seat several days in a row or really put on the mileage, my lower back gets sore. This is not a problem I usually have. I will need a new seat for my new boat. Does anyone who has back problems have a seat that works for them and could pass on suggestions? Thanks, John *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
John Waddington wrote: > > I have a Chesapeake 16 which I really like and am building a Guillemot > which I hope to complete this spring. I got the seat for the Chesapeake > from a friend who manufactures kayaks and has a seat mold. I like the > seat because it has a back attached and the back's tilt can be changed, > but I have found that if I use this seat several days in a row or really > put on the mileage, my lower back gets sore. This is not a problem I > usually have. I will need a new seat for my new boat. Does anyone who > has back problems have a seat that works for them and could pass on > suggestions? > > Thanks, John Seats are a funny thing. Seats that most people find comfortable may not work for others. Have you tried the seat that Chesapeake offers, the Creature Comfort seat? It gives lots of support all around. You might also be able to alter it or any seat by placing something at your lower back that will give added, push-into-your back support. Experiment with something inflatable or even a stuff sack with some stuff stuffed into it. If that works, then look for some extra cushioning for that spot or get the smallest Thermarest pad (they have all sorts of things described as stadium seats and the like) to place there. Having something that is inflatable means it can be adjusted for times when your lower back is feeling particularly stressed. ralph diaz -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024 Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com "Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag." ----------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com wrote: > > John Waddington wrote: > > > > [snip] If I use this seat several days in a row or really > > put on the mileage, my lower back gets sore. This is not a problem I > > usually have. I will need a new seat for my new boat. Does anyone who > > has back problems have a seat that works for them and could pass on > > suggestions? > > You might also be able to alter it or any seat by placing something at > your lower back that will give added, push-into-your back support. One of Ralph's suggestions will most likely alleviate the lower back strain. It sounds like you need more support in the lumbar region, OR there are pressure points from the seatback which are hitting you wrong. Two added suggestions: 1. Replace the seatback with a backband. A back band is all the support most folks need, and can be positioned vertically *exactly* where you need it. 2. Do some minicell outfitting on the existing seatback. Glue a 1/2 to 3/4 inch-thick layer to the seatback, paddle for an hour, and identify where the "hot spots" are. Mark with permanent marker. When home (and your back is still sore), use a high speed right-angle grinder (80 grit) to slowly carve away at the foam where you need a dent. Hop back into the yak and see if the hot spot is relieved. If not, carve some more. If you over-carve the foam, you can always glue another thin layer to what you've got and re-carve. For a really luxurious seatback, as a last act, contact-cement a 2 mm layer of Nylon-2 wetsuit material. It will protect the foam, and give you a surface which is smoother than the raw foam. You might also benefit from some stretching exercises -- consult a sports trainer. I'd guess strenghtening your abs would help, but I'm way over my head when it comes to stuff like that. I just know all my yak aches and pains lessen when I'm more fit in the middle of my bod. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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