Has anyone altered or changed a Feathercraft K-Light seat? My lower back and rear end get uncomfortable after paddling for a while and I've been getting leg cramps. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Alice *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Alice J Bennett wrote: > > Has anyone altered or changed a Feathercraft K-Light seat? My lower back > and rear end get uncomfortable after paddling for a while and I've been > getting leg cramps. Any suggestions would be appreciated. > Alice > > *************************************************************************** > PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List > Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net > Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net > Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ > *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Alice J Bennett wrote: > > Has anyone altered or changed a Feathercraft K-Light seat? My lower back > and rear end get uncomfortable after paddling for a while and I've been > getting leg cramps. Any suggestions would be appreciated. > Alice > The K-Light seat is a very happy one for most paddlers. But there are exceptions. Here are my thoughts: 1. Before giving up on it, experiment with various setups of it. It is infinitely adjustable which is a mixed blessing in that you have to find the right setting for you in three areas. a) the lower sling. It can be moved forward or back when you are first setting up the middle frame stringers. If you having been getting leg cramps (and assuming not from dehydration), then by all means slide the lower sling forward to it covers the sliders on the stringers. This will give more support to the back of your thighs and tend to prevent leg cramps on most people. b) the upper sling's top straps. You can, in effect, slightly raise and lower the seat with those straps that attach to the Number 3 crossrib behind you. Try letting it drop more so that your tush is lower than your legs. This may help. If not try tightening those straps more to lift the seat. c) the front straps of the upper sling. These attach to the crossrib Number 2. If you tighten them a lot, they will put your back at a slight angle. If looser, then you sit more upright. Experiment with all of these settings. If you have found something that works, then sew some thread at the strap buckles so you know where to run them to. 2. Look into how you are setting the foot pedals. While there are prescribed settings favored by many kayakers and instructors only you know what will work for you. Set them forward to drop you legs to a more horizontal position or work them closer to you so you get lots of knee bend. Play with settings here as it will affect the way your tush rests in the seat and your leg angles. 3. If you need to actually change the seat for greater lower back support, try putting an inflatable pad on the seat at your lower back. I have several readers who have done so. The pad can be attached with strings to the seat so it doesn't slip around. You may first try with a paddle float to see how it might work. If it does, keep a paddle float there or get a small Thermarest pad to fit in that spot. 4. Put in another seat such as the Creature Comfort seat that Chesapeake Light Craft sells for its kit boats. Remember though, you are starting with one of the best seats in the business with lots of adjustment possibilities. Look into them first. 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.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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