Re: [Paddlewise] Suggestions for a Seatback

I'm not familiar with the Alvik, but a common problem is _too_much_
seat back support.

People have a hard time doing layback rolls with a high seatback, the
big plastic ones flop into your seat and raise your center of gravity
while doing rescues, and some of them dig into your back--ouch!

A seat back should really be for nothing more than keeping the pressure
from your feet on your footpegs from pushing your tail off the back of
the seat.

With good paddling posture, you also don't want to rely on the
seatback--sit upright--usually slouching is the only time one's back
will really rest on the seat back.  It feels wierd at first, but my
muscles quickly got into shape, and I don't notice it any more.  I
actually have no seat back, and only a deep seat that keeps my rear
from sliding off.

That said, some people, due to back problems or other circumstances
find a higher seat back not only comfortable, but necessary.  You might
try buying a CD, Necky, or Perception seatback and retrofitting it into
your Boreal.  Aftermarket seat backs are available for most Sit On Top
kayaks, and are even higher than those of closed deck boats.  (SOTs for
which these seatbacks are made are seldom rolled, and have no
sprayskirt which would cause interference with the high seat back.

If you don't find you need the extra height, but simply find the Boreal
seat back uncomfortable (a lot of people change out their seat backs
for straps or backbands), there are a ton of aftermarket backbands, and
even more available for outfitting whitewater kayaks.

Shawn

"Steven A. Melnyk" <melnyk_at_msu.edu> writes:
> The seat back unlike those of Current Design, Necky or others, 
> does not offer sufficient back support.  Are there any suggestions 
> from this group for a backpad/strap that offers support while is also

> easy to install.


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