Gossip
Outfitting
By RiverAngels, RiverAngels.comNovember 11, 2006
One of my least favorite things is to outfit my boat. However, it is an important part of kayaking. Here’s the analogy to get a better understanding….imagine running without tying your shoelaces, you wouldn’t make it but a couple of feet before falling over. Same thing with outfitting and your boat and, you want to be snug as a bug in your boat. A boat that is outfit correctly will make everything easier from rolling to more advanced skills like blunting.
I’ve been fortunate to be involved in the Lotus Ladies Paddles throughout the year and numerous times I see paddlers in particular smaller people/women who are basically swimming in their boats, super loose with little or no outfitting at all. So here I am in front of the computer writing up a short outline on outfitting for the smaller paddler. These helpful techniques on outfitting have really helped me in kayaking and hopefully will help you out too.
Outfitting for the smaller paddler.
1. Seat
a. Seat Forward
This will give you more leverage. Most seats are in the middle or moved back because retailers want to ensure that whoever hops into the boat will be able to fit. As a small person, we don’t have big feet or long legs so move the seat forward. You will realize that such freestyle tricks like cartwheeling are much easier to throw down. Also river running having your seat forward will keep you forward and less on your back deck and feeling swirl around in a rapid. One thing to remember is if you find yourself periling (bow of your boat dives in the water while paddling) then you should move the seat back a bit.
b. Seat Raised
Smaller people in particular women typically do not have long torsos. So by raising your seat you’re actually increasing your torso. Instead of hitting the side of your kayak, you’re able to clear it and have more flexibility while you paddle down the river. Sitting high in your boat gives you more leverage with bracing, rolling, freestyle tricks, and allowing you more reach with your paddle for your forward stroke. I usually raise my seat an inch. The best way to decide on how high to raise your seat is to ensure your waist doesn’t hit the side of the boat.
c. Hip Pads
An essential part of outfitting which to my surprise a lot of paddlers don’t have in their boats. Hip Pads help you in all aspects of kayaking from rolling to looping. Without hip pads, you would fall out of your boat. Hip Pads assist in the hip snap which is vital in kayaking. Best way to figure out how tight to have your hip pads is when you are sitting in your boat on the ground you should be able to put the boat on edge easily without your hips sliding out of the pads.
I’ve been fortunate to be involved in the Lotus Ladies Paddles throughout the year and numerous times I see paddlers in particular smaller people/women who are basically swimming in their boats, super loose with little or no outfitting at all. So here I am in front of the computer writing up a short outline on outfitting for the smaller paddler. These helpful techniques on outfitting have really helped me in kayaking and hopefully will help you out too.
Outfitting for the smaller paddler.
1. Seat
a. Seat Forward
This will give you more leverage. Most seats are in the middle or moved back because retailers want to ensure that whoever hops into the boat will be able to fit. As a small person, we don’t have big feet or long legs so move the seat forward. You will realize that such freestyle tricks like cartwheeling are much easier to throw down. Also river running having your seat forward will keep you forward and less on your back deck and feeling swirl around in a rapid. One thing to remember is if you find yourself periling (bow of your boat dives in the water while paddling) then you should move the seat back a bit.
b. Seat Raised
Smaller people in particular women typically do not have long torsos. So by raising your seat you’re actually increasing your torso. Instead of hitting the side of your kayak, you’re able to clear it and have more flexibility while you paddle down the river. Sitting high in your boat gives you more leverage with bracing, rolling, freestyle tricks, and allowing you more reach with your paddle for your forward stroke. I usually raise my seat an inch. The best way to decide on how high to raise your seat is to ensure your waist doesn’t hit the side of the boat.
c. Hip Pads
An essential part of outfitting which to my surprise a lot of paddlers don’t have in their boats. Hip Pads help you in all aspects of kayaking from rolling to looping. Without hip pads, you would fall out of your boat. Hip Pads assist in the hip snap which is vital in kayaking. Best way to figure out how tight to have your hip pads is when you are sitting in your boat on the ground you should be able to put the boat on edge easily without your hips sliding out of the pads.
d. Thigh Braces
Most women don’t have the abdominal strength like men. I know I don’t and in order to compensate for this I rely a lot on my inner thighs for edge control. Edge Control is a basic kayaking skill used in everything from river running, creeking, surfing, and all freestyle tricks. Making sure your thighs are tight in your thigh braces is very important. Most manufacturers offer a well designed thigh brace. If the thigh braces do not have an outer shell which wraps around your outside thigh then add foam to the wall of your kayak. Also adding foam just to the front of your seat will raise your thigh into the thigh brace better. You want to make sure that your thigh is not loose in your boat but tight so you can direct your kayak both with your abs and thighs to get to where you want to go on the river.
e. Backband
Having a backband that works and stays tight while you paddle is imperative. This will help you stay forward in your boat. You want to make sure it’s tight at all times. While kayaking you have a tendency to slouch or get thrown on your backdeck, a tight backband keeps you forward. I prefer the Wicked Backband however the ratchet system that is implemented by most manufacturers is just as good.
These five essential outfitting techniques will help in your level of paddling. Take the time to outfit your boat. It really makes the difference.
Most women don’t have the abdominal strength like men. I know I don’t and in order to compensate for this I rely a lot on my inner thighs for edge control. Edge Control is a basic kayaking skill used in everything from river running, creeking, surfing, and all freestyle tricks. Making sure your thighs are tight in your thigh braces is very important. Most manufacturers offer a well designed thigh brace. If the thigh braces do not have an outer shell which wraps around your outside thigh then add foam to the wall of your kayak. Also adding foam just to the front of your seat will raise your thigh into the thigh brace better. You want to make sure that your thigh is not loose in your boat but tight so you can direct your kayak both with your abs and thighs to get to where you want to go on the river.
e. Backband
Having a backband that works and stays tight while you paddle is imperative. This will help you stay forward in your boat. You want to make sure it’s tight at all times. While kayaking you have a tendency to slouch or get thrown on your backdeck, a tight backband keeps you forward. I prefer the Wicked Backband however the ratchet system that is implemented by most manufacturers is just as good.
These five essential outfitting techniques will help in your level of paddling. Take the time to outfit your boat. It really makes the difference.