Re: [Paddlewise] closed cell foam

Steve wrote:

>Do you really need more foam? Or is your leg going to sleep because you
>foamed your hips and made it a bit too tight?  Sounds like you need some
>Dragonskin.  It's a sanding device that allows you to shape the foam.

I was wondering the same thing.  If the hip pads are too tight you may be
pressing on a nerve.  When hip pads are done properly you won't be aware of
them, even after paddling a few hours.  Have you noticed any pressure
points?  If so remove more foam.

Steve, I've used the dragonskin for smoothing the foam for a finished
surface after carving with other tools (knife, saw, Stanley Surform) but
find the dragonskin too slow for removing much foam.  Do you use the Surform
for more aggressive removal?

Here is a way to check to see if your hip pads are too thick.  Put the kayak
on the lawn or some other soft surface.  Get in the kayak and roll it over
on it's side.  Let's say the left side for the purpose of this example.  All
of your weight will now be on the left hip pad.  You should now have about
one inch of space between your right hip and the right hip pad.

Jim, most kayak shops carry the closed cell foam or you can order it from a
web site.  Try local first.  Prices vary significantly on the web ($8 to $12
for 3x12x12) and you will have a shipping fee ($7 perhaps) and possibly tax.
Run a search on several search engines and you will come up with some sites.
Search "minicel foam kayak outfitting" for a start.

Rex

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