... or an alternative:

In order to properly "push off" against foot pegs (or bulkheads or whatever) when paddling, it's necessary to have some way to resist that force and transfer the resulting energy to your paddle and thus to kayak propulsion. Otherwise you'd just push yourself backwards until you ran out of legs. A backband accomplishes this purpose. But so does a "buttband." What?

That's right, though I'm sure there' could be a better term for it. I've added a 3" foam riser to the top of the back of my carved foam seat. (Sorry I can't post pictures.) It doesn't even come as high as my waist, but it gives me a great "purchase" when I really need it. No problems with entering the cockpit. Like Kurt, I find I paddle better and am actually more comfortable when leaning slightly forward and thus not needing a backrest, backband, seat-back... at all. And, like Kurt, I also know it doesn't work in all my 'yaks.

Glenn