: Thanks for the info. That's exactly what I will do. Unfortunately, I will
: have to lower the seat as I am pressed to the deck as it is without any
: padding.

What do you have for footbraces? If you don't have a bulkhead footbrace, you put your feet past the foot pedals, lock your knees in, and then when you set your foot, your knee is tight. I have a bulkhead footbrace, and put my foot in the middle of it when entering the kayak. There is plenty of room to get my knee hooked, but I 'lock in' when I slide my foot to its final position.

I have a very deep and long seat as well, with a generous "pleasure pod" between my legs to lock my legs in, as well, but still no problems getting into the deep knee hooks.

: I will probably use very thin padding, but there is no way I
: would be able to slide my thigh under such a hook with the lengthy seat
: arrangement I currently have (and like). I will probably make the hooks
: and then recarve the seat as needed giving myself enough room to exit
: while getting that locked in feeling that gives such great boat control.

Yes, still being able to exit quickly is a Good Thing.

When gravity is helping out, it's often easier than it would seem, but it's still safest to check it out first before venturing out into open water.

Shawn