They should be directly beside your hips, and while you could make them good and snug, what would happen if you expanded a little (or a lot)? Better to leave a bit of room on either side and pad it with foam to fit. It's also a good idea to size your hip braces while wearing the thickest clothing you will ever be wearing while kayaking; i.e. wetsuit/drysuit... Dean

> Hi,

> I am finishing the last few details on a Chesapeake 17'. I have to insert
> the hip braces now. In the instructions it says to ensujre that they are
> 17" apart if you plan to instaqll the creature comfort seat. I'm not
> planning to do that, I'm simply using the closed cell cut out seat that
> they detail in the plans. I haven't kayaked before so I'm not sure of the
> position of these things. Do they sit snugly against your hips, or is
> there some room. Are they directly beside your hips or a little ahead?

> Thanks in advance,

> Paul.