How to Outfit Your Kayak
by Jeff Bennett
(Con't)

Tools and Parts:

Before you get to work, take a look at a few customized kayaks and talk to your local paddleshop expert. Seasoned experts can customize a whole boat with one block of minicell foam, some carving tools and glue. Many shops, however, carry pre-cut pads, making the job easier. A knife, some dragonskin (a special foam-shaping tool) and some waterproof contact cement is all that is needed to make pads for your cockpit. Items such as back bands may require drilling. Again, your local shop can provide advice on outfitting...and then sell you what you need to do it on your own.

Back bands:

Back bands and lumbar pads nestle against the small of your back, preventing you from sliding backward off your seat and holding you forward against your footbraces. They even provide some welcome lumbar support, easing the strain kayaking imparts on your lower back. These attributes more than outweigh the marginal increase in risk of entrapment that accompanies the installation of a back band. After-market back bands are designed to thread through holes in the seat and foam wall or bolt onto the seat itself for a solid connection. Figure out which back band is best for you by sitting in a couple of boats already outfitted with them. Many paddlers opt for back bands with nylon or polyester straps or minicell foam pads for maximum comfort and durability.

Hip pads:

If your seat is wide enough to slide a hand between your hips and the seat walls, you'll probably need to add minicell foam or neoprene hip pads to customize your boat's fit. Hip pads help you tilt and lean your kayak when you're rightside up, and help you stay inboard and roll when you're upside down. Provided you don't make the shims too tight, your boat will comfortably grab your hips and your level of control will skyrocket.