Subject: Re: [baidarka] baidarka speeds
From: James Mitchell (baidarka@earthlink.net)
Date: Fri Sep 17 2004 - 09:29:57 EDT
Being an OLD man, I gave up on all that fancy plastic stuff... I just
plop my posterior in the boat and rest my legs flat on the floor.
Eeeeaaasssyyyy does it. Very relaxing. But yeah, most foot peg setups
tension the back of the calf muscle, cutting off circulation. I also
have rigged up a "heel rest" with an adjustable web strap running
through a 9" piece of redcedar. I rest my heels against this on the
centerline of the hull, toes angled outward. It gives enough push to
lock my knees into the knee rests without tensioning my calf muscles.
No calf, no tingle.
Also, the slight upward bend to the leg presses the veins under my
butt. I dunno the tech terms, but I can sure feel it if the boat
doesn't fit right. One thing I have found successful is to use a
ThermaRest pillow for a seat. I can open the valve while paddling, and
adjust the balance of cushion vs. contact with the hull. If my legs do
start cramping up at all, I just let a little more air in. That little
bit of cushion seems to help everyone who has tried this.
On Sep 18, 2004, at 9:44 AM, MICHAEL SILVIUS wrote:
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "James Mitchell" <baidarka@earthlink.net>
>
>> Speaking of legs and feet, I have pretty much done away with foot
>> rests
>> by using my knees to lock myself into the cockpit most of the time.
>> You
>> know, I keep getting questions about paddlers who have their legs
>> "fall
>> asleep". I usually find they are using the side-mounted footrests.
>
> James:
> Ditto here. Since I have gone for the ultra low massiq (6&1/2 inches
> from
> hull) and I wear the kayak intead of being tossed around in it
> searching for
> purchase I no longer have a use for foot pegs and miraculously all my
> cramps and aches have disapeared. No more tingly numb legs.
> michael
> -
> Baidarka Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be
> reproduced outside Baidarka or Baidarka archives without author's
> permission
> Submissions: baidarka@paddlewise.net
> Subscriptions: baidarka-request@paddlewise.net
> Searchable archive: http://rtpnet.org/robroy/baidarka
>
>
James Mitchell
Email: baidarka@earthlink.net
US Mobile Phone: 425-273-0884
15917 Waynita Way NE, E103
Bothell WA 98011 USA
-
Baidarka Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be
reproduced outside Baidarka or Baidarka archives without author's permission
Submissions: baidarka@paddlewise.net
Subscriptions: baidarka-request@paddlewise.net
Searchable archive: http://rtpnet.org/robroy/baidarka
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b27 : Fri Oct 01 2004 - 01:30:02 EDT