Doug wrote: >>Now I just paddle a lot and do back exercises at the gym, and don't need any back support whatsoever. <snip> I can also more easily adjust trim by sliding back or forward a bit - something not entirely possible with an arbitrary preset-distance back support. I do have a slanted, wrap-around aft bulkhead that is padded with 1/4 inch foam, such that if I lean back, I can get a modicum of support for rest breaks <snipsnip> >> You ask: >====Interesting! But I find that I use the back band to help me press firmly against the foot pegs, for example when sprinting with the forward stroke, or when sweeping. Doug, how do you compensate for the absence of the back support when you need to "stand on the pegs?"> I just finished reading PW Digest Volume #908, and realized I left out the part you question. Just before posting a follow-up, I checked mail and your question appeared. Good timing. (This digest version stuff is a little different. You get to see everyone's responses all at once, including one's own, without benefit of editing your thoughts based on what comes up live off the regular list). Anyway, to your question: with the slanted wrap-around bulkhead I have just behind my foam seat, I am able to, by changing the angle of my feet on the Seaward pivoting/rudder foot control pads, push myself back an inch and engage my lower low back and get the support for a more correct paddle motion technique using one's legs for pumping. BTW, my statement "modicum of support for rest" was refering to my upper back.The custom fiberglass bulkhead is lightly padded for comfort. I find this is all the support I need, when done in conjunction with properly fit and snug hip padding and my custom molded knee tube that permits a most excellent and constantly established brace position, regardless of me moving slightly forward or astern in the seat. The down-side to all this is the Indy car fit, which makes for some rather embarrassing disembarkations in surf and for seal landings, due to the restricted nature of the exit attempt - heck, it can be embarrassing just on a plain ol' beach. Makes for great comments by novices: "Hey Bill, is that kelp-head really leading this trip? You mean HE'S the instructor? He can't even get out of his kayak. Oh boy!" I notice in the latest issue of SK Magazine that Paul Caffynn has a letter to the editor about the issue of day hatches. He mentions the wrap-around bulkhead too, and I think Alex said they are common down under (up on top!). I'm not sure what kind of back support is used in the land of Oz and NZ with this set-up. No replies yet on the Inuit solution. I may try the Baidarka mail list (I lurk there only - try not to make a fool of myself on too many lists you know!). On a related note, I have been having a difficult time finding a WW kayak I feel comfortable in for surf work. I tried sitting in a demo Prijon today, the Samurai. It is blown-molded, so does not need a center pillar for support, due to the superior strength over roto-molding. It is a bit narrower than most WW kayaks, so one does not have to splay there legs as much. It is ugly is some ways, but has a very tall "stack" around the coaming area, meaning lots of room for your knees - more the position I like. It does need a back-band. I will give it a blast next surf conducive weekend that comes along. BTW, Duane was correct in his original post - one's kayak must be custom outfitted for comfort, fit, and security, in order to optimize performance. Not only that, a good fit with appropriate back support to suit the paddler, results in a much healthier enjoyment of the sport - even just touring. The amount of "grinding" your lower spine undergoes in a poorly fit kayak-cockpit is atrocious. You can feel it in your bones, literally, if you are not set up correctly. Once set up however, you enter THE ZONE. I hope low-key paddlers pick up on this thread and revisit the situation. You depend on your back for most things, and it is depending upon you to tune in your boat, regardless of the type of paddling you do - so says I. BC'in Ya Doug Lloyd *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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