I have chronic lower back pain and had ruptured a disk a while back. With that comes regular bouts with sciatica. For me, kayaking is pain-free most of the time, except for occasional leg cramps. One big difference when compared to some of the others who have posted in this thread is that I ride a Hobie.
In my Revo, I can position myself in the seat so that I am as comfortable as possible and just peddle away. I can usually go all day without significant back pain. Typically I run out of energy long before the pain becomes a problem.
As someone mentioned, lifting the kayak to the racks, especially after a marathon day can be a problem. Not wanting another ruptured disk, I am very careful about this and have even asked for help a few times after an especially exhausting day. Of course, I am an old guy and the kayak gets heavier every trip.
Bob
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