How to Outfit Your Kayak

Come along for a look at how to outfit your whitewater kayak.
Getting a good fit can make all the difference in how a kayak performs. I go through an in-depth look at what I did to make my new Liquidlogic RMX fit and function perfectly. Every kayaker is a different shape and size which makes it impossible for manufacturers to make a kayak to fit everyone. Although they do a really good job, sometimes it is necessary to customize your fit for optimal performance.
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[@vincentgirolami7388]

Great video, really helped me understand some of the nuance in outfitting a boat.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Vincent!

[@tntdoug2175]

Very informative video Pete about setting up the kayak. When your ready, we can talk about your hoarding problem. There are support groups to help you. Like minded individuals who help with the root of the problem. Oh wait, your already doing that. Never mind.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Doug...wait, are you saying something isn't normal? Doesnt everyone have a building of boats?

[@tntdoug2175]

@@RiverKingsKayak I'm only starting my collection. Only 3 at the current time. The meetings are helpful, especially the multiple overnight camping kind. 🏕

[@IE_Tiger]

Would love to see LL bring out something like the Bees Knees or Thigh Hookers. I also love the seat pad mod.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

For sure Tiger! I would love to see them come out with something!!

[@blacksheepyakas4389]

Thanks for making this one Pete! It has helped me a lot to understand what I should be looking for in my out fitting. Top Job 💪🏻

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks BY!

[@RebeccaBaltich]

I like all of your customizations. Important to take the time to get a boat to fit right.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Branden! 100% agree!!!

[@simonf1303]

Great video and a lot of really helpful tips and information, thanks Pete.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Simon!

[@SpecialBeaterService]

Thanks Pete. Fairly new to it all and initially my main concern was how to get out of the boat after a failed roll as quickly as possible. Beginning to realise if I’d fitted my boat properly I may not have needed the roll in the first place. Love your videos. Thanks so much.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks David! Yes, the proper fit can save you a lot of work! LOL. But, The roll is king!

[@mattcarrier35120]

Thanks Pete! Great info and walk through the outfitting. Good info I needed...

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Matt!

[@briankrueger1142]

Great comprehensive video. I spend a lot of time outfitting my boats. My new Scorch has Bees Knees (not a fan of the Hookers), Sweet Cheeks (for additional height and leg lift ), a contoured heel block, and Wades backband mod. Comfy and solid.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Brian! Sounds comfy!

[@MikeKing]

Good tips, I definitely want to adjust my foot plate now, its uncomfortable on longer runs. seems the angle is likely why. First boat, woulnd't have known.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Mike! Thanks!

[@nikosikelianos4076]

I agree on back band after hours in my cross I feel those hard points of contact. With that said I absolutely love the cross

[@RiverKingsKayak]

They are such great boats!

[@nikosikelianos4076]

@@RiverKingsKayak so so good

[@JairusStoudenmire]

Great information here! Thanks Pete!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Jairus!

[@tobaccoroadadventures]

Thanks for the great advice! Helped a lot!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks TRA!

[@mikeemmons4062]

Very informative video. Great job!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Mike!

[@palamarchuk.k]

Thanks! It's a very helpful video!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

That is what it is all about palamarchuk! Thanks!

[@willkriel-hartley1156]

Brilliant video. Very informative. Anyone had any issues installing a set of bees-knees into a Mamba 8.6? (Find that my legs are popping out too easily when I’m rolling).

[@epwlod777]

I have recently had this same issue with my 8.1. I kinda slip out unexpectedly and then it's too late

[@RiverKingsKayak]

It should work I think. Just be sure that your thigh hooks are in the right spot before you install the bees knees as the adjustment wont be available after the stick on pad is stuck on.

[@cheskybaba4864]

Pete, do you glue the bottom piece of the Bees Knees onto the boat? I have the same problem and had a painful swim, for getting my knee knocked out. This is what I need. Thank you! You should advise LL on their boat designs.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

The Bees Knees comes with a self stick pad. I removed the original self stick factory LL padding and replaced with the bees knees system.

[@macfawlty]

100% on the Bee's Knees. Did LL rework their thigh hooks on the latest gen's? Now that you mention the foot plate, I took all of the foam blocks out of my Antix 2 as it has way less leg length than my Alpha 75 and I'm only 5'-7" and a 29" inseam. Its pretty wiggly up there under my feet.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on! crazy

[@Nedandkokospeedshop]

Pete what do you think of the Jackson kayak outfitting?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Always felt good to me! By far the easiest and quickest to adjust.

[@hunterwhitekayak]

GOIN WITH THE BEESNEES🫵🏽🔥

[@RiverKingsKayak]

for sure brother! What a difference!

[@troybennington3479]

I have a Zen 3 , and although I love the boat, I do feel loose, any bees knees for a Jackson? Also my toes are always the main contact point, to the point of cramping sometimes. Gonna try something with foam. Great video, no one really tells you these things but they are huge. Almost gave up paddling two years ago because my legs kept falling asleep.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Troy! Yes, the Bees Knees are a Jackson product.

[@4JudgeSmails]

Pete, I know you don't do reviews, but I would love to hear more about your thoughts on the Hot Whip after you've had more seat time, and perhaps compare/contrast the Rewind and Brapp.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Todd! I may get around to doing that. Wade does such a great job with those though. I feel his reviews are spot on.

[@MrBob121582]

Great video very informative

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Big Bear!

[@SteveHofsaess]

Beginner kayak question. I have noticed that my back is leaning backwards. I have played with my back band and no success. Is it possible that my seat is a little too low , which is making my body's angle downward from my toes?? Or I need to focus more on my flexibility?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Hard to know for sure without seeing in person, but likely (usually) a flexibility / bad habit issue.

[@AdamParkerFlapperz]

Great video, thank you😊

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Flapperz!

[@KMLifeadventure]

Nice video. Hey Pete what's your schedule coming up?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks A KM! Super busy but always trying to get a paddle in the water! What are you thinking?

[@elizabethjones978]

I was wondering, what are the measurements of your foot wedges are, toe and heel thickness?

[@elizabethjones978]

Or the angle of the wedge?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

top is about 1/4" and the bottom is about 2"

[@elizabethjones978]

Thank you

[@melissachilders25]

Hey!! Wanted to watch, but not available?? Hopefully can watch it later!!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

we all just finished the premiere...weird

[@D-blaze]

Liked it :)

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Dallas!

[@D-blaze]

I run a remix79 and your LL tips and tricks are much appreciated 🤙

[@hunterwhitekayak]

Did you try the sweet cheeks also?! Or was that a little too much?!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

If it works it works! I personally havent gelled with the sweet cheeks. I have a few of them in the shed, but dont feel like I get a good purchase as it can start moving around under me.

[@hunterwhitekayak]

@@RiverKingsKayak good call, and it looks like that would raise you a good bit higher than the seat pad you put in would, throwing your center of gravity off just a bit.

[@troybennington3479]

My back band broke just as I hit the big diagonal on table saw, no fun. Couldn’t roll, busted my elbow and got infected… change those bands!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

dang!

[@jdday1757]

That's an awful place for that to happen

[@canajian]

👋😎👍

[@WVWes]

Here's a problem I have, Pete. My legs go numb or go to sleep in my whitewater boats. If been told it's in my hips. I try playing with the hip pads but it still happens. I figure my weight has a lot to do with it too. I'm a chubby fella. Thats one reason I like my duckie. IT doesn't happen when I'm in it.

[@jacob8565]

I reckon I had a similar issue with legs going numb/pins and needles. The fix I found was actually foam between the knees and boat

[@OttoG]

The first step would be to see if your legs go numb if you remove all of the forward outfitting and hip pads. It’s possible that the knee position is pinching a nerve or blood vessel. I couldn’t get along with my Antix 1.0 due to the low wide knees, but the rockstar 4.0 with higher knees or a scorch/nova with a different position worked just fine.

[@WVWes]

@@OttoG Cool. Im gonna have to play around n get it figured out. I appreciate the tips!!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Yeah, it is just impossible for the manufacturers to make a boat that fits every body shape and size out there. Some folks just get along a lot better with some boats/brands than others as well. As far as your issues, I have never delt with them and would be just guessing as to why your legs are going numb. Certainly there is something not agreeing with your lower half in there. I have heard of several different culprits. One common issue I often hear about is with hip pads that pinch everything off right there at the waist. Start playing around and see if you can find the culprit.

[@Operatorheaetstop]

Hellloo😊

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Hey Skyfighter!