Paddler seating security and comfort are part of a whole system that you need to think through thoroughly, including solid foot bracing, ease of exit, hip and thigh and/or knee support, lower lumbar support, circulation requirements, and the ability to stretch and move around a bit in the cockpit to avoid cramps. Matt and I had a bit of a go at it, but I assure you we are both smiles and chuckles whenever we post, and agree on far more than we disagree (and he's not that grumpy - getting old maybe!). I just hate to see paddlers unhappy or unknowingly limited because they have made a poor choice of boat and cockpit combo. Many of the thigh braces I see, seem like an afterthought. The Mariner kayaks represent an intelligent approach, as does the alternative British arrangement with boats like the Romany. It was one of the few I enjoyed paddling stock. Anyway, I'll try and keep my promise to end with this final "last word" on cockpits, and I will not re-post what I lost last night. But I do remind those buying a new or used boat, to really think through your choice and the anticipated kind of paddling you are thinking of doing. One of the Brit boat dealers in town here, used to custom fit knee tubes into new boats for customers, then offer BCU type courses with a specific knee tube technique component - it was elitist stuff, but I encountered many happy proponents through the store (Sea Trek -Sidney, BC) and satisfied students. I thought the whole thing was very cool, but it was not for everybody. Another dealer in town here, Ocean River Sports (no affiliation or financial ties either, though I have spent a ton of money there) also can order your kayak with lowered decks, by removing an inch from the perimeter of the hull at time of manufacturing, so that the cockpit thigh supports fit more appropriately. There are numerous options. Be aware. Discuss them. Play with some foam. Do whatever, but do put some thought into it. BTW, if you are in the Victoria area, go by ORS, or if you want, access them via the internet -- check out <www.oceanriver.com> I think PW'er Chris Banner has put a bit of work into the site. They even sell some neat kevlar gloves that would stand up for knuckling off freighters (in your dreams Vince!). DL (who has some hot edicts and will be lurking for a bit now) *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:33:20 PDT