Doug: I truly believe sea kayak manufactures are often not putting in enough research and development into outfitting. Shawn: If you ever get the chance, take a peek into the cockpit of one of the new WaveSport WW boats. Truly amazing. They have great factory-installed adjustable fabric-covered foam hip pads and knee hooks that have support for the outside of your leg. If only sea kayak manufacturers would put in that level of thought... (...we wouldn't have as much fun outfitting them ourselves!) Ralph Hoehn: Interesting point ... I have not yet seen the above mentioned WW boats, perhaps I'll be pleasantly surprised when I do. I find outfitting to be a highly personal thing, pretty close to the custom sized Inuit boats which were put together to the exact measurements of their intended paddlers. Most factory standard outfitting will at best be a bearable compromise for most users. I therefore prefer "factory standard" cockpit configurations that allow me the easiest means to "custom outfit" to my needs (WITHOUT having to remove a compromise solution first!!). Best regards, Ralph C. Hoehn Ralph_at_PouchBoats.com www.PouchBoats.com *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
It is true the new wave sports have set a new high standard in factory fit. I also Like the Perception AMP. the thigh pads that wrap around and allow you to wedge foam from underneath for locked in fit. That said I don't paddle my Sea boat like I do my white water. I think the way you outfit your boat is dependent in a large part on what you do in it. I can paddle my NDK boat for hours and be quite happy. I've padded it out to fit tight but the lack of a truly tight, tight fit around my thighs allows me the slight freedom I need. I also find playing around with things like a balance brace it's not to have your knees stuck in one position. For the same reason I like a bulkhead foot brace over pegs but that another can of worms On my w.w. boat I can still wet exit if need be but when I'm locked in, I'm in. That's not to say it hearts but anytime your stuck in one way for a long period of time you get sore. JFF > Most factory standard outfitting will at best be a bearable >compromise for most users. I therefore prefer "factory standard" >cockpit configurations that allow me the easiest means to "custom >outfit" to my needs (WITHOUT having to remove a compromise solution >first!!). *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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