> I think a backrest is essential for comfortable
> paddling. There are backrests that let you do everything you want
> while still providing support.

Yeah, the key is the ability to be able to move, to brace, to turn, as well as rest the weary lumbars occasionally, when cruising. Nothing can make up for weak stomach muscles, however.

Not being much of a purist, I opted for a springy HD plastic backband, with a minicell cover that snugs the kidneys, but pivots up for accessing behind the seat, and can be released at a starboard camcleat for wet re-entry if nec. I will practice this a few hundred times, along with rolls of course, in a warm lake nearby, before playing in the japanese current.

I also used a premolded foam seat, velcroed to the hull. Surprisingly comfortable,puts my average butt within 3/4" of the floor, and weighs only 3 oz, important at this point since all the incremental poundage I was hoping to avoid.

Anyone else using Sikaflex for installing bulkheads?

ds