Re: [Paddlewise] Better Edging

From: James <jimtibensky_at_fastmail.fm>
Date: Sun, 30 Mar 2003 15:05:00 -0500
Mark Arnold said: is there some technique I am missing to get a larger
heeling angle while still maintaining stability?


I outfit my sea kayak the same as my whitewater boats and it seems to
help me with having the control to edge the boat.  My left leg has no
working muscles, so I prefer a bit of a tight fit anyway.  What I do to
pad my hips is cut foam into a wedge shape and fasten it [with duct tape]
to the seat sides so that the thick part of the wedge is just below the
rim of the cockpit.  This way the seat is comfortable and loose when I
sit normally, but as soon as the boat tilts, my hip "falls" into the wide
part of the pad and I'm locked in.  I get the most support when upside
down, making the roll easier.  I also have a tight backband that falls
across my back just at the top of my pelvis.  When I am relaxed on the
footbraces or bulkhead [I use different systems in different boats],
which I keep slightly long, there is no pressure on my back.  As soon as
I tighten up by pushing against the footbraces/bulkhead, I am solid back
to front.

I never miss a roll because of a loose fit and I'm comfortable edging or
sitting quietly.

Hope that helps.

Jim Tibensky
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Received on Sun Mar 30 2003 - 12:05:22 PST

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