Re: [Paddlewise] Paddle choice and lower back pain

Hi and welcome to the wonderful world of paddling. My son had a bout of
lower back pain that turned out to be his shirt or sweater that was forming
a pinch-point between his back and the seat back (which we also call a
"backband"). Once he pulled that offending article of clothing up and out of
the way his back pain went away.

When I paddle my wife's kayak I get lower back pain that is, I suspect,
something to do with the adjustment of the backband. I solved the problem by
not paddling my wife's kayak any more. I know that if I mess with the way
the backband is set up I'm in real trouble.

Every kayak has to be fitted to you and lots of us have foam pieces laying
around (in my case, literally) for gluing into place in strategic spots to
keep us comfy in the cockpit.

So... my tip is not to concentrate too much on the paddle itself but rather
in your posture in the kayak and in the way you fit against the backband.
And also a tip not to paddle with your legs flat but rather raise them a
bit.

If you determine that your fit in the cockpit is as good as you can get it
and still have back pains then look at your paddle stroke. Visit the web
site at www.marinerkayaks.com and look at their tips for paddling technique.

One good way to determine what paddle fits you best is to get a few friends
together and just swap paddles for a while. If you are in a club you will
find that many kayakers have a closetfull of paddles of various sizes,
shapes and weights. We have paddlefests where we just bring all our paddles
- white water or flat water or anything in-betwen - and lay them on the
dock. Then we can just go out and try one and then go back and grab another
without getting out of the cockpit even.

Good luck!

Craig Jungers
Royal City, WA

On 11/21/06, Shin SUGIYAMA <ssugiya_at_bio.nagoya-u.ac.jp> wrote:
>
> Hi, I live in Japan and really enjoy subscribing to this list.
> I just started paddling a couple of months ago and  am beginning
>   to feel lower back pains every time I go out.
> At first I thought it was from carrying and putting together my kayak
> but now realize its probably from the actual paddling on lakes for a
> few hours each time.
> I have  a second-hand Feathercraft  Short Touring that came with a
> Nimbus Charlotte paddle.
> The paddle is wooden, and I believe it's designed for day trips or
> short-tours.
> I have decided not to try to plant the paddle as far forward as
> possible  in my stroke,  but in addition to that, I am considering
> getting a paddle that would be more forgiving on my back. Any
> recommendations concerning specific models or information about
> certain characteristics such as flex or blade shape or materials
> types  that might help would be appreciated because I am pretty much
> on my own in my new interest. Although I don't have any plans for
> extended touring would it be correct to assume getting a
> long-touring paddle would solve my back pain? Thanks in advance.
> Shin Sugiyama / Nagoya, Japan
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