: ... 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.

: Gle

But, we are talking about a surf kayak here, and not a sea kayak or surfski. Whitewater kayaks all have backbands and thigh braces, and fit really tight. It's necessary for control in the conditions these kayaks are designed for. I'm sure it would be difficult to paddle a surf kayak effectively without being locked into the cockpit, so a backband may be appropriate.

m