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

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.

Baja_Traveler · 12-02-2012, 05:58 PM

Sciatic nerve pinch here - my old Scupper Pro was killing me - not enough lower back support no matter what I did. Then I tried the new Vantage seating on the PA's. Wow what a ride! I'll be back in the kayaking game next month in a new PA14.

Cbad Mike · 12-02-2012, 08:17 PM

Bad lower back. It feels ok on the water but I have to be careful loading and unloading my Stealth 14.

Jimmyz123 · 12-03-2012, 06:23 AM

Back problems are due to a lot of issues that we all put our bodies through. What I have noticed is that Kayak Paddling has vastly improved my core and has helped to relieve the pains I use to have. If you are paddling correctly and your seat is adjusted to provide the right support you should notice improvement in the feeling. My first kayaks had the paper thin seats and I use to feel that in the rear but now I have a very well cushioned seat and not leg numbness, no butt pain, and back feels great.

Now when you're loading and unloading you need to remember good lifting techniques as well. If you're not lifting correctly that can cause more issues. I learned that if you need help loading or unloading your kayak, ask for assistance, someone will help you. If you're alone figure out a safe way to load and unload that will not cause injury. I snapped my bicep tendon loading my kayak into my truck about 3 years ago. Had I asked for help that would not have happened.

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.

RobFish · 12-03-2012, 08:35 AM

Hola Senor Loco,
I'm in a PA12 now, and came from a PA14. I couldn't agree more, that being able to move is the key. Think about how much we sit at 90* angles...
Driving, desk jobs, riding bicycles/motorcycles, and add to that kayaking...it all adds up. Stretching in general has helped big time, and like Drake said, motion is the lotion. Do enough of these though...and yup I'm number 649.

Pocoloco · 12-03-2012, 10:19 AM

love those pocket rocket pogo sticks

Sdspeed · 12-03-2012, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobFish

Hola Senor Loco,
I'm in a PA12 now, and came from a PA14. I couldn't agree more, that being able to move is the key. Think about how much we sit at 90* angles...
Driving, desk jobs, riding bicycles/motorcycles, and add to that kayaking...it all adds up. Stretching in general has helped big time, and like Drake said, motion is the lotion. Do enough of these though...and yup I'm number 649.

I agree, I have a left shoulder and collar bone being held together with a wide assortment of hardware by the same past, need for speed! Question is did ya stay upright?

Is there anywhere in San Diego where I can rent a PA 12?
My knees are tired but haven't ever been cut on.

RobFish · 12-03-2012, 02:38 PM

The bike stayed upright. Me, not so much. Went over the front, bike hit me in the head (should explain a lot to those that know me), and I got a full page spread as the Crash Page in Road Racing World magazine.

As far as rental PA's...not that I'm aware of. You're in SD, so the trip, even tho well worth it, to OEX up in the OC would cost you $40 in fuel alone, perhaps a visit to the local dealer here might be in order. Just a thought.
To redeem yourself for visiting the local dealer, you will need to spend a few dollars at OEX-SD to prove your loyalty to the efforts being made here.

Also, popping a few Advil or the like before your launch helps too, as does anything from our friends at Ballast Point Brewing Co., or so I've heard.

Pocoloco · 12-04-2012, 12:34 PM

you can test one at fastlane in mission bay for free. they are pretty cool, so bring your rod as part of the test ride.

surf-bum · 12-05-2012, 06:34 AM

Having your back problems get better or worse when kayaking depends on the type of back pain you are having.

In general, if you have disc protrusion issues, the sitting and bending forward would tend to increase your pain, or your issue because it forces the disc back into the spinal cord/canal which leads to pain and numbness. In this persons case, you would want to be sitting more upright (back support/proper arch) and thus you may prefer something like the PA ( although I have never tried it). Having the PA would also give you the ability to move around and change positions which would help decrease the pain.

If you have stenosis or degenerative disc disease (loss of disc space), having a backward bend in your back would increase your pain. Bending forward should decrease this persons pain. Thus this person would benefit from a kayak that would afford more bend in the back. This could be the person that had their pain get better from kayaking.

For both conditions, regardless on kayak model, the paddling would help to strengthen the core providing you have the proper technique. This may not decrease the pain while kayaking, but it could help decrease ones pain overall.

Hope this helps. Sorry for the long explanation.

12-02-2012, 05:22 PM	#1
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	#2
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. __________________

12-03-2012, 06:23 AM	#5
Jimmyz123 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,385	Back problems are due to a lot of issues that we all put our bodies through. What I have noticed is that Kayak Paddling has vastly improved my core and has helped to relieve the pains I use to have. If you are paddling correctly and your seat is adjusted to provide the right support you should notice improvement in the feeling. My first kayaks had the paper thin seats and I use to feel that in the rear but now I have a very well cushioned seat and not leg numbness, no butt pain, and back feels great. Now when you're loading and unloading you need to remember good lifting techniques as well. If you're not lifting correctly that can cause more issues. I learned that if you need help loading or unloading your kayak, ask for assistance, someone will help you. If you're alone figure out a safe way to load and unload that will not cause injury. I snapped my bicep tendon loading my kayak into my truck about 3 years ago. Had I asked for help that would not have happened. __________________ No better time than being on the water, God Bless, JimmyZ

12-03-2012, 02:38 PM	#10
RobFish Massive Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 382	The bike stayed upright. Me, not so much. Went over the front, bike hit me in the head (should explain a lot to those that know me), and I got a full page spread as the Crash Page in Road Racing World magazine. As far as rental PA's...not that I'm aware of. You're in SD, so the trip, even tho well worth it, to OEX up in the OC would cost you $40 in fuel alone, perhaps a visit to the local dealer here might be in order. Just a thought. To redeem yourself for visiting the local dealer, you will need to spend a few dollars at OEX-SD to prove your loyalty to the efforts being made here. Also, popping a few Advil or the like before your launch helps too, as does anything from our friends at Ballast Point Brewing Co., or so I've heard. __________________

12-02-2012, 05:58 PM	#3
Baja_Traveler Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Table 17, Bay Park Fish Co. Posts: 943	Sciatic nerve pinch here - my old Scupper Pro was killing me - not enough lower back support no matter what I did. Then I tried the new Vantage seating on the PA's. Wow what a ride! I'll be back in the kayaking game next month in a new PA14.

12-02-2012, 08:17 PM	#4
Cbad Mike Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Carlsbad Ca. Posts: 1,206	Bad lower back. It feels ok on the water but I have to be careful loading and unloading my Stealth 14.

12-03-2012, 10:19 AM	#8
Pocoloco Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: el cajon Posts: 239	love those pocket rocket pogo sticks

12-04-2012, 12:34 PM	#11
Pocoloco Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: el cajon Posts: 239	you can test one at fastlane in mission bay for free. they are pretty cool, so bring your rod as part of the test ride.

12-05-2012, 06:34 AM	#12
surf-bum Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 49	Having your back problems get better or worse when kayaking depends on the type of back pain you are having. In general, if you have disc protrusion issues, the sitting and bending forward would tend to increase your pain, or your issue because it forces the disc back into the spinal cord/canal which leads to pain and numbness. In this persons case, you would want to be sitting more upright (back support/proper arch) and thus you may prefer something like the PA ( although I have never tried it). Having the PA would also give you the ability to move around and change positions which would help decrease the pain. If you have stenosis or degenerative disc disease (loss of disc space), having a backward bend in your back would increase your pain. Bending forward should decrease this persons pain. Thus this person would benefit from a kayak that would afford more bend in the back. This could be the person that had their pain get better from kayaking. For both conditions, regardless on kayak model, the paddling would help to strengthen the core providing you have the proper technique. This may not decrease the pain while kayaking, but it could help decrease ones pain overall. Hope this helps. Sorry for the long explanation.