Anybody With Back Problems? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Sdspeed · 12-02-2012, 06:59 AM

Has anyone that fights back pain find that it increased or decreased after they started kayaking or found in moderation it was beneficial ?

Amish Ed · 12-02-2012, 09:27 AM

Bad back problems here. I've found that with the right yak/seat combo I'm fine on the water. In my Manta 14 I can go as long as I want. My T140 at 4hrs I was hurting. Steve's Prowler, it depended on what seat I was using. In order of comfort... Feel Free, Apex 1, Sea Air Sports. My biggest problem is getting to and from the water. Haven't solved that problem yet.

Sdspeed · 12-02-2012, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amish Ed

Bad back problems here. I've found that with the right yak/seat combo I'm fine on the water. In my Manta 14 I can go as long as I want. My T140 at 4hrs I was hurting. Steve's Prowler, it depended on what seat I was using. In order of comfort... Feel Free, Apex 1, Sea Air Sports. My biggest problem is getting to and from the water. Haven't solved that problem yet.

Any idea why the Manta appears to work the best for you?

Amish Ed · 12-02-2012, 10:07 AM

Part of it is that the cockpit is wide with the center support being narrow. This leaves me free to adjust my legs into multiple positions. The seat itself just fits my back perfect. A big part of this is because the seat pan sits lower than most kayaks and the area behind the seat is higher. What this gives is an area that supports my low back when I'm leaning back. No other kayak I've had has given me that support. If you want to test paddle one, try Southwind kayaks. I don't think they carry them anymore, but they should have some in their rental fleet and might be willing to sell one.

I will say, they are not a great yak for surf launching though. The very small hatches don't give you much room for below deck storage and the scupper holes are small. But, I don't surf launch often, so it's a non-issue for me.

Do you have a kayak right now?

Sdspeed · 12-02-2012, 10:21 AM

No I have a variety of health concerns. I tried a trident 13 but nothing else yet. I didn't last long in the T13 but it's not like I can pick my own seat.
I do know I can't go down the peddle road due to both my back and knees. In addition to that I have storage limitations so 14 or less, the less part being better. Being in San Diego eventually I'd be surf launching too.

Amish Ed · 12-02-2012, 11:02 AM

Yeah I understand. I don't like the newer OKs because the footwells are so narrow that you can't move your feet and thus knees around. You should try the Tarpon 140 it might work for you. Did you try the Trident at OEX? They should have multiple different yaks you can try out.

12-02-2012, 06:59 AM	#1
Sdspeed Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: San Diego Posts: 732	Anybody With Back Problems? Has anyone that fights back pain find that it increased or decreased after they started kayaking or found in moderation it was beneficial ?

12-02-2012, 09:27 AM	#2
Amish Ed Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Grants Pass, OR Posts: 1,906	Bad back problems here. I've found that with the right yak/seat combo I'm fine on the water. In my Manta 14 I can go as long as I want. My T140 at 4hrs I was hurting. Steve's Prowler, it depended on what seat I was using. In order of comfort... Feel Free, Apex 1, Sea Air Sports. My biggest problem is getting to and from the water. Haven't solved that problem yet. __________________ Amish Ed You can't catch it again if it's dead!

12-02-2012, 10:07 AM	#4
Amish Ed Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Grants Pass, OR Posts: 1,906	Part of it is that the cockpit is wide with the center support being narrow. This leaves me free to adjust my legs into multiple positions. The seat itself just fits my back perfect. A big part of this is because the seat pan sits lower than most kayaks and the area behind the seat is higher. What this gives is an area that supports my low back when I'm leaning back. No other kayak I've had has given me that support. If you want to test paddle one, try Southwind kayaks. I don't think they carry them anymore, but they should have some in their rental fleet and might be willing to sell one. I will say, they are not a great yak for surf launching though. The very small hatches don't give you much room for below deck storage and the scupper holes are small. But, I don't surf launch often, so it's a non-issue for me. Do you have a kayak right now? __________________ Amish Ed You can't catch it again if it's dead!

12-02-2012, 11:02 AM	#6
Amish Ed Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Grants Pass, OR Posts: 1,906	Yeah I understand. I don't like the newer OKs because the footwells are so narrow that you can't move your feet and thus knees around. You should try the Tarpon 140 it might work for you. Did you try the Trident at OEX? They should have multiple different yaks you can try out. __________________ Amish Ed You can't catch it again if it's dead!

12-02-2012, 10:21 AM	#5
Sdspeed Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: San Diego Posts: 732	No I have a variety of health concerns. I tried a trident 13 but nothing else yet. I didn't last long in the T13 but it's not like I can pick my own seat. I do know I can't go down the peddle road due to both my back and knees. In addition to that I have storage limitations so 14 or less, the less part being better. Being in San Diego eventually I'd be surf launching too.