Hi All;

I rented a spun plastic 'yak today (about 24"x16') and dropped it into Sarasota Bay and paddled a few hours. Gosh, do my upper thighs ache! My fit with the boat was "loose as a goose" (I am 5'-9" 160lb), and in order to keep any contact to the boat at all, I had to keep my legs, knees, and thighs in constant tension at unusual (compared to normal life) angles and attitudes. I did NOT get a good upper body workout, but at the same time, I coudn't get up from a squat this evening if I tried. :-) Ouch!

NOW I understand all the discussion about seats, braces, pads, etc., etc. A bad fit like this could make a novice hate kayaks. I am going back and reading everything that has been written on this forum regarding making your 'yak "wearable" like a suit.

As someone once must have said, "Slippery plastic seats and expanses of open interior hull do not a pleasurable kayak experience make . . ."

Best Regards, Spidey