EP10 Let's Roll, Kayak Outfitting

After a frustrating roll practice, we decided it was time to do some outfitting improvements on our P&H Valkyrie sea kayaks. In this episode, we redesign and test the kayak thigh braces for better connection with our kayaks.

[@TheSeriousWaterman]

Sometimes a small adjustment is all you need. Kayak fitting is an art that for sure!

[@seakayaklife]

Absolutely! I like your word "fitting". It's the truth.

[@seakayaklife]

Thanks for watching!

[@kelseyriner93]

Awesome video! Glad you’re back. I always learn so much from y’all!

[@seakayaklife]

We never left. We're just slow, LOL.

[@soihavetoplay]

My kind of guys… I got a nice Prijon Seakak 2003 as my first boat, love it but has a small cockpit and same tight braces… could not fit right, but this video gave me confidence to modify the pads to make it happen! I also added hip padding. Thanks!! New subscriber here!

[@seakayaklife]

Awesome! Outfitting the kayak to fit you is so important. Glad we could provide you encouragement. You made my day with this comment. Thanks for subscribing.

[@AndyKaylieno1]

Im very glad to see you guys again!

[@seakayaklife]

Andy glad to hear from you too. We've had a very busy summer. Unfortunately life, work, and our side hustle has kept us both really busy. We've got a lot of ideas and trips planned. Some day this WILL be our fulltime job!

[@janeseddon5500]

Fascinating video guys. I have a P&H Scorpio and a big fan of their outfitting, particularly the adjustable thigh braces. I must say I was a little shocked to see the lack of leverage that the placement in the Valkyrie provided. You cannot have too much leverage when perfecting the bombproof roll. Congrats on your solution to what could have been an issue that would have bugged you constantly and detracted from the enjoyment of a fine P&H kayak......cheers....Peter

[@seakayaklife]

I'm assuming the Scorpio has the same thigh braces? The Valkyrie's front deck if very high, I think there's a plastic version that's a surf ski that's based on this boat, so I think it's meant to have a more vertical position. Which is very comfortable and good for a higher paddle stroke, but for us, it was not an easy roller. But it is now :) Thanks for watching.

[@Meredith_Feira]

One might say your outfitting was… perf 😜

[@seakayaklife]

🤣

[@mountainpaddler2242]

I gave up and switched to surf ski. You guys ever try to paddle them?

[@seakayaklife]

I have not paddled a surf ski. I've always wondered if I would feel unprotected. Years ago when we first were learning, we took our long boats to a white water roll practice. With a little instruction we learned the basics. Now we can roll just about anything given a little practice and ensuring that the boat fits properly, hence this video. LOL. It's really a timing thing. Slowing down your instinct to get your head out of the water. I've been practicing as of late, in slowing down the roll as if in slow motion, instead of trying to pop up quickly. I've found that it takes less effort and stress on my body. Find someone who has their roll down, watch videos and I'm sure you will be able to do it. Thanks so much for watching

[@mountainpaddler2242]

@@seakayaklife I’ve been pretty comfortable in a ski. I even have one I use for coastal camping. If you ever want to have a go on one, just let me know. I’m pretty sure we’re in close proximity

[@jakebrakebill]

thanks

[@seakayaklife]

Welcome

[@DAllan-lz3lg]

Great work. I guess it’s difficult to have a a mass produced boat that’ll fit everyone. I find the ratchet system really good, you can really torque yourself into the thigh braces but obviously you needed a bit more refinement. P&H are receptive to feedback in my experience.

[@seakayaklife]

We love that ratchet system. We had a similar system back in the day but this version seems better. The main thing for us was having your knees more vertical, which is typical for racing or a "fast sea kayak". Glad we figured it out cuz we love these boats. So where do paddle? You seem to know P&H.

[@DAllan-lz3lg]

@@seakayaklife I live near Aberdeen, Scotland and paddle all over the UK really. I just sold my P&H Virgo which was a great boat, but I wanted something faster, with more storage. I’ve had a Scorpio in the past and had a shot of the Delphin, which has the ratchet system. I’m familiar with it as they have them in Pyranha white water boats.