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

Amish Ed · 12-02-2012, 08:27 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, 08:56 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, 09:07 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, 09:21 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, 10:02 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, 10:17 AM

Two herniated disks and bone degeneration on my back. I had a lot of pain for a while, but kayaking has definitely made it better. The term "motion is lotion" is certainly true.

GregAndrew · 12-02-2012, 10:23 AM

I have L4 and L5 protrusions and have had lots of improvement in my condition since I started paddling a kayak. Paddling has helped to strengthen my core which I believe is where my success has come from. I did however, go through a good bit of pain pushing my limits. Finding a comfortable seat and/or pad combination is very individual from my experience. What works great for others may be a serious pain to you. I would suggest that you look for a seat that provides support where you need it. Then keep it adjusted properly to give you that support. My straps are constantly self adjusting, and I usually find out by a pain in the back after a long day.

Sdspeed · 12-02-2012, 11:21 AM

I appreciate the input, as far as the "core" does paddaling cause any grief in the upper back or neck. I honestly think that if I approach this at a measured rate that I'd see a health benefit, and no doubt as a young 55 I could use it.
I just wanted as much input from a large cross section to be an educated consumer and not look at kayaking thru rose colored glasses. I know there is a lot of variables but I don't think that If I buy used and get a seat and paddle that fit me that should it not pan out I can sell and not take to bad of a beating.

12-02-2012, 08:27 AM	#1
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, 09:07 AM	#3
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, 10:02 AM	#5
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, 09:21 AM	#4
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.

12-02-2012, 10:17 AM	#6
Drake Guest Posts: n/a	Two herniated disks and bone degeneration on my back. I had a lot of pain for a while, but kayaking has definitely made it better. The term "motion is lotion" is certainly true.

12-02-2012, 10:23 AM	#7
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	I have L4 and L5 protrusions and have had lots of improvement in my condition since I started paddling a kayak. Paddling has helped to strengthen my core which I believe is where my success has come from. I did however, go through a good bit of pain pushing my limits. Finding a comfortable seat and/or pad combination is very individual from my experience. What works great for others may be a serious pain to you. I would suggest that you look for a seat that provides support where you need it. Then keep it adjusted properly to give you that support. My straps are constantly self adjusting, and I usually find out by a pain in the back after a long day.

12-02-2012, 11:21 AM	#8
Sdspeed Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: San Diego Posts: 732	I appreciate the input, as far as the "core" does paddaling cause any grief in the upper back or neck. I honestly think that if I approach this at a measured rate that I'd see a health benefit, and no doubt as a young 55 I could use it. I just wanted as much input from a large cross section to be an educated consumer and not look at kayaking thru rose colored glasses. I know there is a lot of variables but I don't think that If I buy used and get a seat and paddle that fit me that should it not pan out I can sell and not take to bad of a beating.