From: Guillemot@aol.com
Date: Fri, 31 Mar 1995 18:23:31 -0500
Message-Id: <950331182330_67687219@aol.com>
To: baidarka@imagelan.com
Subject: Re: Seat Material
I tried a lot of different seat setups before I came up with what I found
comfortable.
Part of it is the "become one with the kayak" concept. This does not imply
you are shoe-horned into the boat. I am a "press-fit" into my white water
boat, but can't say I am comfortable for long term paddling.
More important is support. Holding my legs up in a bent position without
support for my feet and back will quickly tire my back and legs. -I get out
of my boat and fall flat (lots of fun in a surf landing)-. Just pushing
against footpegs is not enough without something substantial to hold me back.
I mount a back strap that supports my lower lumbar area. It is flexible
enough to let me lean back with minimum resistance. With this, when I push on
the footpegs, I am not depending on friction with the seat to hold me back.
Next, I have make a fairly (16") long seat. It is thin (1/2") under my butt,
and gets thicker (2 1/2") toward the front. This helps support my thighs. I
use 3" thick "minicell" foam contoured to fit my butt.
Last is a knee or thigh brace to push up against. Try sitting down on the
floor and leaning backwards. It is difficult to keep your feet on the floor.
Next have someone hold down your knees. Leaning back will be much more
comfortable.
None of this needs to be tight. The support is placed to hold me in the
position I would naturally chose when I first sit down. I try to distribute
the support as much as possible.
Nick Schade