Re:[Paddlewise] Numb Legs(Peg Legging)

<<Major SNIP>

> I think that many 
> paddler'snumb legs are due to pinching a major nerve between your 
> butt bones and your
> kayaks seat. Anything that takes much of the pressure off that 
> area will
> help. sharing the load between your thighs and butt is one way to 
> lessen the
> pressure.....

<<more major snip>>

> Now, can anybody tell me why my toes sometimes want to fall asleep 
> whenpaddling? It feels as though I may be pinching a nerve in the 
> ball of my
> foot when pushing on the footpedals a lot. That lack of wiggle 
> room for my
> size twelve feet might be a contributing factor as well. I paddled an
> especially low kayak barefoot the other day because that was about 
> the only
> way my feet would fit in it at all comfortably. That reminded me 
> that the
> pressure between my heel and the kayaks hull may also pinch a 
> nerve there.
> Some paddling shoes also seem to put too much pressure on a nerve 
> at the
> heel and some don't, maybe by cradling the heel better.
> 

You have it right.  Whether it's butt or heel, or ball of the foot, the root of the problem is pressure. Not just pressure on a nerve, but pressure that affects blood circulation.  Too much pressure over a long time results in decreased circulation -- that's why cycling the legs while paddling is good for the paddler as well as good for stroke efficiency: cycling relieves pressure and enhances circulation.
 I too have large-ish feet, and in certain boats my feet suffer.  The solution, which has to be individualized, is to outfit the boat so that you can maintain good contact for control while distributing physical pressure as broadly as possible.
  When you're paddling a boat that is not your own, portable seat padding can be had with a small therma-rest pad, partially inflated.  Foot padding is probably best accomplished by finding paddling shoes with firm soles and good heel protection (and if you know of such shoes, please let me know -- back channel if you don't want to seem to advertise).

Cheers (with a tip o' the hat to Jackie for the greeting...)
    Bob V

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