: 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,
I'd second, or third, or fourth, the use of minicel tower as a 'backrest' over a backband. I took the band out of my plastic yak and put in a block of minicel. It makes it easier to control the kayak without the link to the kayak higher up on the back. The top of the block is below the coaming height and is shaped so it is easy to slide in though it's not easier to slide out (accidentally). Bracing and the like is better controled with a masik or kneehooks depending on cockpit type.

Look up sacral support, which is what the minicel block is. I stuck a block on my chair as well, I don't actually use the chair back much now. It's kinda hard to slouch properly with the block in place. :)

Mike savage
South West Cork