Yep, you need something to keep your butt from creeping backwards as you shove forward energy into the footbraces. The carved minicell seat performs this function admirably. The seat in the Nordkapp does not, and that is exactly why its backband was soon reinstalled. Good catch, Glenn!

Most all my comments on anything related to the forward stroke come from my ultra close association with the Texas Water Safari. No, I'm not actually in it, and as a matter of fact I never compete in anything, period. Not in any way, shape, or form, even if it's only a little fun thing. Just one of my quirks. But on the water I like to hit it like a champion, that's just my way of having fun (I steadfastly stick to sea kayaks and Greenland paddles). I find the Safari a spectacularly fun spectator sport, the boat rigging positively entertaining as well, and all of it greatly enhances my own little paddling life.

Redfish Kayaks pre-carved minicell seats are not just for wood kayaks anymore -- they're commonly seen in Safari boats, and Joe is a darling of the marathon racing community for providing them. Did you know that?

: ... or an alternative:

: In order to properly "push off" against foot pegs (or
: bulkheads or whatever) when paddling, it's necessary to have
: some way to resist that force and transfer the resulting energy
: to your paddle and thus to kayak propulsion. Otherwise you'd
: just push yourself backwards until you ran out of legs. A
: backband accomplishes this purpose. But so does a
: "buttband." What?

: That's right, though I'm sure there' could be a better term for it.
: I've added a 3" foam riser to the top of the back of my
: carved foam seat. (Sorry I can't post pictures.) It doesn't even
: come as high as my waist, but it gives me a great
: "purchase" when I really need it. No problems with
: entering the cockpit. Like Kurt, I find I paddle better and am
: actually more comfortable when leaning slightly forward and thus
: not needing a backrest, backband, seat-back... at all. And, like
: Kurt, I also know it doesn't work in all my 'yaks.

: Glenn