> I like the idea of a footpump. Does anyone besides me get cramps in my legs and feet when trying to operate a foot pump in a kayak? This is the question I wanted to ask too. Is a foot pump operated by a gas pedal type mechanism or does it push like a hand pump? I assume a pedal type because there's not much room for leg movement the other way. I was trying to imagine operating a pedal for 10-15 minutes (or more?) in emptying a cockpit and I swear my achilles tendon and calf started to ache. I assume you can switch feet. How much of your foot can you get on the pedal? The long February discussion on foot pumps can be found at http://csisler.com/Kayaks/PaddleWise/KayakEquipment/FootPumps.htm Lot's of good information and I'll be adding Greg's informative post to that. GRO was listed as a supplier but I don't recall seeing any other sources in the US. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
From: "Sisler, Clyde" <Clyde.Sisler_at_wang.com> To: "'Paddlewise'" <paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net> Subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Foot pumps Date sent: Wed, 12 May 1999 09:34:38 -0400 <Snip> > > Is a foot pump operated by a gas pedal type mechanism or does it push like a > hand pump? I assume a pedal type because there's not much room for leg > movement the other way. > It depends. It comes with a "pedal", but it's fixed to the end of the shaft which moves the diaphragm; you can push directly on the stifffening plates which support the center of the diaphragm and center the internal spring just as effectively. But they don't come with an articulating "pedal" like you'd have in a car or truck. > I was trying to imagine operating a pedal for 10-15 minutes (or more?) in > emptying a cockpit and I swear my achilles tendon and calf started to ache. > I assume you can switch feet. How much of your foot can you get on the > pedal? > Again, it depends how you have it set up. But you could empty a fleet of boats in ten or 15 minutes! It takes me less than a minute to empty my (admittedly low volume) cockpit, so, theoretically, I'd guess a normally rigged 'glass kayak with some storage behind the seat and dead space forward of the footrests would take several minutes to empty --- but not ten or 15 minutes. Yes, you'd probably cramp up if it took that long. Maybe not if you could center mount it and switch off feet --- a good idea if you can mount it that way. (On my Pintail, the compass recess is in the way, and on the North Bay, the deckplate takes up the other "half" of the bulkhead.) > > GRO was listed as a supplier but I don't recall seeing any other sources in > the US. Stan's website, <http://www.erols.com/rapids/GRO/>, has a list of his dealers. Pumps are available at a lot of better boat supply places --- both the domestic Guzzler and the Brit (Northern Ireland, actually) Henderson. Do some price comparisons --- very good discounts are available through retailers. Jack Martin *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
I was very worried about foot cramps when I installed my pump. I found that I had about an 1.5" of vertical leeway against the bulkhead. You need to leave space above and below the pump for the intake and the output hoses. After testing several heights, I found just the right positioning (for my feet) that offered the best foot access to the pedal. While it may not seem like much, 1.5" makes a big difference in comfort. I find that I'm able to empty my larger volume cockpit in a few minutes with no foot cramps. Greg *************************************************************************** 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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