: hey everyone thanks for the replies,

: Hi Jeff Yes My backband is held up with Bungies but never seems to
: stay in place, ive tried a bunch of different methods, one
: problem is I need it kind of aft to give me room to get in boat,
: straps dont work well in place , so I cant loosen and then
: tighten when I get in boat.

: Bill very Interesting point to ponder! traditional boats dont have
: backbands/seats!!, as matter of fact I have to think but most
: (only a handfull) of the sof boats that Ive persanally seen
: didnt have backbands for that matter. I saw a guy in Cape Cod
: last year in a Baidarka style SOF and yes it had No seat !!

: no backband would give me more room to enter/Exit boat, and from
: what I know but dont practice all the time proper paddling
: teqniuque requires a forward motion that results in your back
: not contacting anything. HMM worth a try only 2 screws to
: remove.

: one thing though , in practice native paddlers from a young age
: were in boats for many hours a day thus developed the muscle
: groups /posture needed to stay comfortable for extended period
: of times!! similar to buddists monks that can sit cross legged
: for 8 hours + without flinching.

: but Im a 2 -3 day a week paddler (somtimes none a week) , (average
: paddle time is 2.5 -3hour) while paddling I can see not having a
: backband but how does one stay comfortable when not moving esp
: on 4-5 hour trips when having lunch, bird watching ... ??
: minicell padding glued to coaming?? also if not using a backband
: are foot supports obsolete , I would think so ???

: last but not least if not using a backband whats the method for
: ROLLING /BRACING?? press back right against coaming?? better
: layback I suppose but easier to slide out of boat?? Native
: paddlers seem to have no problem.

: more insight needed. My inquiring mind wants to know

: many thanks

: "John"

Hi John,
To begin with I don't use a back band. However, if I am on a long trip I have a piece of foam I put inside whatever I am wearing (wet suit or bicycling pants usually), at the back at the height of the coaming, and I have a built in comfort factor. It moves about a bit at times, so I have been thinking of making a belt, but haven't gotten round to it yet.
As for rolling, a well adjusted backband should make no difference, but for reentry maybe no back band is better. I guess I am a minimalist. The less clutter in my cockpit the better, less confusion if you get into troubles.
JohnK