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

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.

RobFish · 12-02-2012, 05:22 PM

My back is a pretzel as well thanks to years of roadracing motorcycles.
IMO, the Hobie Pro Angler is the only way to go. All the real estate you need to move and change positions. I started out in a paddle kayak, and just being committed to the 90* bend at the waist made for some pretty short outings.
Now, 7-8 hour days are the norm. I credit it all to the ability to move around.
Just the ability to get to my knees and arch my back is huge, let alone on the more calm days to really stand up and give the back a good stretching out.

T-Rex · 12-02-2012, 05:48 PM

Neck and low back problems. With a good seat, I'm fine paddling all day -- it's the next day or two when I really feel it. Lifting my xFactor doesn't help. One day my back was killing me I test rode a PA 12 at OEX Sunset and found the new seat more comfortable for my back than my car seat. I was pretty impressed.

Pocoloco · 12-03-2012, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobFish

My back is a pretzel as well thanks to years of roadracing motorcycles.
IMO, the Hobie Pro Angler is the only way to go. All the real estate you need to move and change positions. I started out in a paddle kayak, and just being committed to the 90* bend at the waist made for some pretty short outings.
Now, 7-8 hour days are the norm. I credit it all to the ability to move around.
Just the ability to get to my knees and arch my back is huge, let alone on the more calm days to really stand up and give the back a good stretching out.

football and surfing caused my back and neck problems and after going through 5 yaks from paddle to peddle, you can't beat a pa 12 for comfort and fishability. not enough pressure for knee problems and a really comfortable seat. stand up all day.

12-02-2012, 09:07 AM	#1
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	#3
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, 05:22 PM	#7
RobFish Massive Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 382	My back is a pretzel as well thanks to years of roadracing motorcycles. IMO, the Hobie Pro Angler is the only way to go. All the real estate you need to move and change positions. I started out in a paddle kayak, and just being committed to the 90* bend at the waist made for some pretty short outings. Now, 7-8 hour days are the norm. I credit it all to the ability to move around. Just the ability to get to my knees and arch my back is huge, let alone on the more calm days to really stand up and give the back a good stretching out. __________________

12-02-2012, 05:48 PM	#8
T-Rex Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Rancho Santa Margarita Posts: 770	Neck and low back problems. With a good seat, I'm fine paddling all day -- it's the next day or two when I really feel it. Lifting my xFactor doesn't help. One day my back was killing me I test rode a PA 12 at OEX Sunset and found the new seat more comfortable for my back than my car seat. I was pretty impressed. __________________

12-02-2012, 09:21 AM	#2
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	#4
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	#5
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	#6
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.