Re: [Paddlewise] Paddle choice and lower back pain

Hi, I got in several hours of paddling on Sunday and here is my 
progress report on correcting lower back pain. I was planning to 
concentrate on correct posture, proper seat and footbrace adjustment, 
as well as building stomach muscle strength, instead of getting  a 
new lighter paddle. So I had a set of  little goals to accomplish 
yesterday, but as it turned out, everything fit in place just by 
adjusting the seat back on my Feathercraft  ST.  The seat back is a 
padded plate that is fixed by straps at the top  whereas the bottom 
of the seat back is connected to a seat plate that is fixed in front 
by straps stretching forward. I had been putting tension on those 
forward straps so as a result the seat back was always angled 
backwards. Yesterday, I slackened  the forward straps so that the 
seat back was pretty much upright when I was seated. This changed 
everything. Besides not allowing me to lean back, it also gave me 
lower back support when I had my torso leaned forward. Before, when I 
leaned forward I  really only had my stomach muscles to support me 
and that tired me out pretty fast.  One recognizable difference was 
that I could really push on my upper non-stroke side arm.  I found I 
could paddle much longer and harder without discomfort to my lower 
back. It was really enjoyable!  It has become  cold here on the 
Pacific side of Japan and yesterday we had a clear breezy day with 
air temperatures between 5-10 degrees C. It was the first time I had 
paddled against a moderate wind strong enough to snatch at my paddle 
and wash waves over my bow but I was able to keep paddling strongly 
for a kilometer or so and had fun. I know there is probably still a 
lot wrong with my paddling form but being relieved of back pain is 
really encouraging!
  Thanks to everyone for your advice and help. The solution was so 
simple and obvious in retrospect that its a little embarrassing, but 
I am glad I asked for help.  Thanks again!
Shin / Nagoya Japan


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