Outfitting your Sea Kayak

[@Simon_W74]

I have I think arrived at a solution for my own boat fit, and that is change out the hip pads from the factory fitted one to buying the White Water version so I can modify them, as my last trip out I tried them with them as thin as I could get them by putting one half of the hip pad under the seat pad. which wasn't the most comfortable position for me, but it did stop me from getting numb legs. which is progress. I could simply cut the factory pads down, but if I lose enough weight then I will be able to put them back in as they were. I think the option of fitting pads under foot would be very advantageous, if I were using my Wetsuit Boots, but I wouldn't be able to use the croc trainers I bought to paddle in, as there isn't enough room for my feet with them on. I am finding that little changes here and there have been making paddling much more comfortable and over longer distance that will be really important. Another Great video.

[@AdventureOtaku]

absolutely. super important, and frequently the stuff made for whitewater is better than the stuff made for sea kayaking. My skirt is a whitewater skirt.

[@Simon_W74]

@@AdventureOtaku I have been looking at Reeds ChillCheaters spray decks (As well as several of their other products) as the touring one I have somehow lets water get in at the back. The last time was when I was on a coastal inlet and seal tour boats coming from behind pushed water over the back of my deck and down my lower back. The others in the group didn't experience this even though they had the same levels of water being push over the back of their decks, they some where using a fairly cheap UK Based brand called LOMO, and they held up very well. We have one of these on my Daughters white water boats, not that she will use it in white water,

[@AdventureOtaku]

Reeds makes good stuff. But it is also easy enough to check your old skirt for leaks. Easy fix too. Aqua Seal…

[@Simon_W74]

@@AdventureOtaku I will take a look at that, thank you.

[@lauraphillips6512]

You are going to have a wonderful time with this group. They will learn so much from your on water navigation. I hate that I am missing it.

[@AdventureOtaku]

Thanks Laura, you will be missed. We will figure out some way to do it again.

[@j-hack861]

Like Barry I also bought the Delta kit ($45 at REI) and am very satisfied with it. The nylon fasteners are just like the ones used on auto trim and are very secure. I used all four pads, as I am on the small side. No glue needed and the seat can still be adjusted. Highly recommend for Delta kayak owners.

[@AdventureOtaku]

Im sure it works well. thanks for watching, and commenting.

[@yru435]

It seems like you could have preserved the sliding function by gluing on the lower parts only. I like a sliding seat, but the best thing that I have tried (and you could do this too now that you have given up the sliding business) is to take out the seat bottom and put a foam pad down on the deck. The increase in stability is noticed.

[@AdventureOtaku]

I could have preserved the sliding function but I didn't need to. No one but me paddles that boat. I also don't feel the boat needs increased stability. It is super stable.

[@barry4fish19]

I did buy the Delta pad kit for my D14, that’s what the two pre-drilled holes are for. There is a piece of rectangular plastic that you bend to fit, then fasten with plastic push fasteners with the pair of pads that fit you best (2 different sizes included with stick adhesive already added). It worked really well also, but that kit doesn’t include the other pads you got in your kit - sort of expensive for what you get, but the fit is much improved now.

[@AdventureOtaku]

Im sure the fit is better. the plastic fasteners....concern me.

[@barry4fish19]

@@AdventureOtakuThey concern me too, I will be keeping an eye on them, hopefully they won’t come loose.

[@Boilermaker92]

Looking forward to seeing you at the coast! I have my pencil, string, and compass.

[@AdventureOtaku]

I’m excited to talk NAV… I am not excited about the wind forecast….

[@EveyoneCallsMeTheDude]

80 in October.. welcome to PA, just wait it snows here on Easter..

[@AdventureOtaku]

we will see. I would love some snow.... but I'm skeptical it will actually arrive.

[@EveyoneCallsMeTheDude]

@@AdventureOtaku yeah the snow comes last Jan early feb around here

[@rogermcadams8806]

One of my favorite places. I've launched from Harkers Island and paddled all over that area. Banker ponies and dolphins not to mention the light house. My heel pads are a nice adhesive Yeti cooler top pad that has been in place for 3 years now. Perfect size and gray color not too thick. Clean, peel and stick. Just a thought. Nice when you take off your water shoes and go barefoot.

[@AdventureOtaku]

Yeah I think this is the 6 or 7th time I’ve paddled there. I have one more trip planned for January and that’ll be it as it’s a haul from where I am now.

[@rogermcadams8806]

@@AdventureOtaku Some of the clearest water in the continental U.S. Biggest problem is catching it when it's not too windy. Like you it's a haul for me also. I've found September to be a good month. Still warm and tourist traffic has let up. The Rachel Carson wildlife reserve is nice to paddle also.

[@jchambers1191]

Hi Brett - Looking for your opinion on thigh braces. I watched this for the second time, and I see you did not change your thigh braces. I have a high volume sea kayak (CLC Chesapeak 17), and I have some pretty minimal thigh braces. My current setup gives me quite a bit of bend in my knees when paddling, and it is comfortable. In watching the Greenland kayak paddlers, it appears that the their legs are practically flat with the water. I was wondering, should I add more thigh padding to simulate this, or does having a very significant bend in my knees end up being more beneficial than having them straight. My kayak is quite comfortable with a 1.5" seat pad, which I think I need to keep me low, but is challenging to Eskimo roll. I have been wondering recently if my legs were more straight, instead of bent at the knees, if it would be easier to roll from a capsize. I appreciate your insight. Thanks for what you do - it is very appreciated! Jeff

[@AdventureOtaku]

A couple of things. You didn’t see me change my thigh braces, because I did it the day I got the boat. The delta thigh pads are like 1/4 inch thick and I made them larger and 1/2 an inch thick. It doesn’t dramatically change the angle of my knees though. Greenland paddlers legs are straighter because they have to be due to the low volume of the boat. I doubt you could add enough padding in your boat to get your legs straight. You can still roll a boat fluidly and efficiently without your legs being straight. Pad out the boat so it fits you well and is comfortable. Email me if you have more questions, enjoy your boat!

[@davidkrueger3152]

I was going to ask if you wanted to meet up sometime and kayak Assateague - Bayside. i know the 3 sights bayside sights pretty well. if you are interested in a weekend November or December trip - LMK...the mosquitoes will begin to decline

[@AdventureOtaku]

I’m gonna try and get one of the bayside sights next week for a night. But I’ll definitely let you know.

[@davidkrueger3152]

That sounds good. There are so many excellent little bays, sandy mini beaches, tide guts to explore. It’s a must do! -keep it touch.

[@markkinnard796]

It is hard to believe that you have been did not have outfitting in your boat.😳

[@AdventureOtaku]

Well, I’ve always had extra thigh padding, and a really firm fit south of my hips. But yeah as I said, long over due