Re: [Paddlewise] Footpeg height

In a message dated 3/19/00 12:16:01 PM, cprstnc1_at_optonline.net writes:

<< What part of your foot should rest on the footpegs?  The ball of your
foot?  Or closer to the instep?  Is this a matter of taste?  Or is
bracing helped by one over the other?
Should your heels be resting on the hull for comfort?
Is is better to have your feet angled out or closer to up-and-down? >>

    Generally the ball of the foot rests on the footpeg. This is for comfort 
as well as power, you can push with your foot and/or your leg as the need 
arises. As you place your arch or heel on the peg you lose some subtlety of 
touch at the peg. Resting you heel on the hull is natural and allows you to 
rest your leg with knee's bent and hence is the ideal position.
    People generally adjust the angle of their legs from toes up to toes out 
_at_ about 45° during a trip so their legs won't cramp. The most powerful is 
toes out, affording your knees better access to the gunwales of your boat 
which best supports any required bracing.  The ideal position is knees bent, 
leg rotated toes out, foot at a neutral 90° to the shin and the balls of the 
feet supported, heels slightly lower than the butt is a nod to modern society 
that sits in chairs rather than on the ground. Best is butt as low as 
possible.

Of course, all of this is only one man's opinion

Good Luck, Jed

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