[Paddlewise] Foam and Back band Outfitting

Harold wrote:
>> <major snip> In WW boats, the center pillar is usually curved up from the
rear of the seat to provide somewhat of a stop >>

That is essentially how I get my back support in my sea yak, with the
wrap-around glass bulkhead described in an earlier post of mine giving that
"back-to-the-wall" point of immobilization from going any further backwards
when "standing on the pegs". But, as someone said, make sure you have
enough back support so as to prevent injury to your quads.

<snip> >>FWIW, the best investment a sea kayaker may ever make is to buy the 
self-inflating seat and back cushions intended for watersports by the good 
people of ThermaRest camp mattress fame...Warning -- secure cushions in
securely when using in any kayak.  A loose cushion can kill.  Thanks to 
Doug for making that point graphically clear on his Victoria misadventure
write-up in SK Mag.>>

Thanks Harold, you just _had_ to bring that up didn't you, even after I
specifically left it out of my recent post-reply regarding different
back-bands/seat arrangements I've tried over the last two decades. Well,
you are correct, the Thermarest combo of inflating seat and lumbar support
items are w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l-l-y comfortable. I still miss the ones I took
out of my Nordkapp after the incident.

The back cushion I used is actually a special-order item from their medical
line. It is fairly narrow, and is used as a chair-back lumbar support. I
rigged mine like a normal back-band, but partially velcroed it to the
aft-of-seat-bulkhead. The seat was also wonderful, but as I found out,
unless tied-in securely, is a liability if it dislodges - which is what
happened to me if anyone new in PW land missed the gory details.(It got
pushed up against the front bulkhead mounted foot pump, which decidedly
disadvantaged my self-rescue, just prior to zodiac rendered assistance).

I've kept the Thermarest items for use in a home-built wood kayak one day.
Whatever back-support people put in, make sure it allows for good torso
rotation and doesn't inhibit your reentry and roll, if you depend upon
that. Again, _thank's_ Harold!

BC'in Ya
Doug Lloyd (who found out graphically that crime does pay, and in US funds)
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