Thigh Straps - YAK - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

OnTheWater123 · 11-05-2015, 03:32 PM

how many of you ride Thigh straps ? KNEE BRACES. ? and vice versa.... knee straps/ thigh braces....

wondering if these would help out a first timer like my self.
From everything i see looks like they would be a huge help with stabilization when launching and coming back in. Even in rough waters while fishing.

makobob · 11-05-2015, 03:52 PM

Depends, surf zone, reaction time, split seconds. Time to put them on? Beginners should start out in the bays or on a lake. The surf zone is not where you should start After getting comfortable in the bay you will not need them, unless you are running class 4-5 rivers.

skrilla · 11-05-2015, 07:11 PM

Would hate to be tangled with that in case of a flip.

Stabilization should come from your core muscles and keeping your head and body over the vessel.

warburto · 11-05-2015, 07:20 PM

I had them on a boat I was borrowing (Necky Dolphin) and found them very uncomfortable when I tried them. But the Dolphin cockpit was way too small for me, so that might have been the bigger problem. I could see where someone might want them, but not me, and especially not when fishing.

sanomick · 11-05-2015, 07:44 PM

I really like having thigh straps when I am coming in through the surf. BUT go out and use them so you feel comfortable and know how to use them.

I agree that they are a huge help with stabilization when launching and coming back in. I use them in rough waters while fishing or when i have to deal with big wakes from PBs.

I have a Hobie revolution and don't use them, but use them all the time on my Wilderness systems 160. Just my two cents.

lowprofile · 11-06-2015, 08:47 AM

Never used them. Usually if the surf is more than I like to come in on ill put my legs over the side for balance and to slow me down when a wave picks me up. Having my legs bound would suck in the instance I feel off balance and can't toss my legs over.

Bajarick · 11-06-2015, 11:39 AM

I have straps for a surfing kayak but never thought about using them for my fishing kayak. They will give you a lot more control going thru rolling surf. I'd try them out surfing your rig before you put your stuff at risk. It's actually easy to get out of them if you huli. Biggest issue is how much time you have to get them on before the first wave hits you.

11-05-2015, 03:32 PM	#1
OnTheWater123 Junior Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 11	Thigh Straps - YAK how many of you ride Thigh straps ? KNEE BRACES. ? and vice versa.... knee straps/ thigh braces.... wondering if these would help out a first timer like my self. From everything i see looks like they would be a huge help with stabilization when launching and coming back in. Even in rough waters while fishing. Last edited by OnTheWater123; 11-05-2015 at 03:42 PM.

11-05-2015, 03:52 PM	#2
makobob Baitless on Baja Join Date: May 2013 Location: Vista California, Gonzaga, San Quintin, Asuncion, Mag Bay Posts: 4,250	Depends, surf zone, reaction time, split seconds. Time to put them on? Beginners should start out in the bays or on a lake. The surf zone is not where you should start After getting comfortable in the bay you will not need them, unless you are running class 4-5 rivers. __________________ http://www.mako-ville.com Home 760-630-4470 Cell 760-520-2514 YES YOU CAN

11-05-2015, 07:11 PM	#3
skrilla Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 664	Would hate to be tangled with that in case of a flip. Stabilization should come from your core muscles and keeping your head and body over the vessel. __________________ Urban Camo Trident 13

11-05-2015, 07:44 PM	#5
sanomick Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 57	like them I really like having thigh straps when I am coming in through the surf. BUT go out and use them so you feel comfortable and know how to use them. I agree that they are a huge help with stabilization when launching and coming back in. I use them in rough waters while fishing or when i have to deal with big wakes from PBs. I have a Hobie revolution and don't use them, but use them all the time on my Wilderness systems 160. Just my two cents.

11-06-2015, 08:47 AM	#6
lowprofile #1 on fishstick's hitlist Join Date: May 2011 Location: Sea level Posts: 1,478	Never used them. Usually if the surf is more than I like to come in on ill put my legs over the side for balance and to slow me down when a wave picks me up. Having my legs bound would suck in the instance I feel off balance and can't toss my legs over. __________________ MLPA- My Largest Poaching Area

11-05-2015, 07:20 PM	#4
warburto Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 43	I had them on a boat I was borrowing (Necky Dolphin) and found them very uncomfortable when I tried them. But the Dolphin cockpit was way too small for me, so that might have been the bigger problem. I could see where someone might want them, but not me, and especially not when fishing.

11-06-2015, 11:39 AM	#7
Bajarick Junior Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: BCS Posts: 13	I have straps for a surfing kayak but never thought about using them for my fishing kayak. They will give you a lot more control going thru rolling surf. I'd try them out surfing your rig before you put your stuff at risk. It's actually easy to get out of them if you huli. Biggest issue is how much time you have to get them on before the first wave hits you.